The Baja California Travel & Living Webzine

The Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California - La Paz

The permanent exhibition consists of dioramas, photos and artifacts from the history of Baja California Sur. Dioramas from miniature to life size show life in the prehistoric times, when native Indian tribes harvested sustenance from the sea. Visitors can see an ancient burial mound discovered near Loreto and see photos of the cave paintings found near Bahia de Los Angeles. It all serves to give the visitor a better understanding of early man in this harsh climate of Baja California. There are more than 1200 pieces related to the geologic evolution of the peninsula, archaeology, paleontology and anthropology of the Baja peninsula.

There are also displays of the more recent history of Baja. Implements and clothing from the last three centuries of exploration are displayed in their original context of use. Flags and military hardware from the conquest of Baja California line the walls. Important battles of the Mexican American War are outlined as well as displays of personal letters and documents from the time period. It is a good reminder of the fact that the United States and Mexico have not always been the friendliest of neighbors.
 

Visitors can begin to understand the connection between the violent religious practices of the Aztecs and the world and times in which they lived. These people believed themselves the chosen people of the gods, with a destiny to subjugate those tribes around them.

Photo enlargements of pottery decorations and weavings are displayed and explain the depicted rituals from the gathering of grain to the preparation of a body for the afterlife.

The most enjoyable part of the trip to the museum was the staff. Anxious to discuss and explain the history of Baja California to visitors, these folks were knowledgeable and brought the history to life. The down side here was their limited English. Just as interested in improving their English as conveying the education information contained in the museum, the staff really opened up to us once we accepted the use of "Spanglish".

The museum is open every day from 9AM to 6PM. They offer guided tours, multi media presentations and event hosting. The museum is air conditioned and visitors should allow at least an hour for the complete tour. There is a gift shop with related souvenirs and education items, but the store is not open all museum hours. The Director of the Museum is Lic. Alejandro Zuniga de la Toba. Guides are Guadalupe Garcia, Francisco Beltron and Marie Antonieta Garagalia. A big thanks to our guides, they provided attentive service to our questions. For more information call 612-122-0162

Admission is free but the museum is heavily funded by your donations at the door -  please be generous.

Additional Resources

Map of La Paz - The Museum is #12
Summer Sundays in La Paz
La Paz Climatology
La Paz Weather
Pearling in the Sea of Cortez
History of La Paz
La Paz Street Walker
Italian Dining in La Paz
Mexican Cuisine in La Paz
Resorts in La Paz
Open Panga Fishing in La Paz
La Paz Fishing Report
Diving the Sea Mount
Real Estate in La Paz

More La Paz Information
Baja Weather

Off-Site
Teotihuacan, City of the Gods - ASU
Listing of Museums in Mexico