The Indian Museum is home to a vast collection of antique relics that belonged to the indigenous people of Uruguay. It offers an intriguing look into the history of the region before the arrival of Portuguese and Spanish colonists. The indigenous past of the area can be traced back around 10,000 years. The museum, which is located on the top floor of a 19th-century house, informs visitors about the ways of life of these pre-historic people, such as their methods of hunting and preparing food. See the collection consisting of tools, decorations an d works of art.
Browse the rooms of the museum to discover the fascinating relics displayed. Take a guided tour to learn about the uses of the tools and decorations. These include funeral urns, arrowheads, ceramics and many more items. You can also find an interesting collection of chiseled rocks that had a variety of uses, including as weapons.
Learn about the indigenous people through maps and visual information. See stones of great geological interest that date back many thousands of years. The museum is a rare insight into the history that predates the colonial era in Colonia del Sacramento.
Admire the whitewashed façade and green window shutters of the 19th-century building that houses the museum. Browse the quaint cobblestone streets around the area.
Local historian Roberto Banchero established the museum in 1988 from his personal collection of indigenous remnants. It is open from morning until afternoon year-round. Buy a ticket for a museum package at the Museo Municipal that covers admission for the Indian Museum and several others.
The Indian Museum is located two blocks northwest of the Matriz Church in the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento. It is a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) walk northwest from the ferry terminal and the city’s main bus stop. Plaza Mayor and its surrounding landmarks, such as the Portuguese Museum and the lighthouse, are just three blocks to the south.
