Museum of Anthropology and History of Guatemala

The MUNAE (National Museum of Natural History) was established by government decree on June 30, 1898. Throughout its history, its collections and facilities were relocated several times until it was established in its current building in 1946. In 1998, it was declared a National Cultural Heritage Site. The museum is located in Finca la Aurora, at the main exit of La Aurora International Airport.

Its facilities encompass approximately 3,000 m² of exhibition space and nearly 1,500 m² dedicated to restoration and research. The museum houses an impressive collection of approximately 20,000 archaeological artifacts and some 5,000 ethnological pieces.

Main Exhibitions

MUNAE's comprehensive exhibits are organized into 10 main rooms that guide visitors through Guatemala's history and culture. Some of the notable rooms and themes include:

• Introductory Room: Presents the settlement of the Americas, a map of Mesoamerica, and a room of technology and instruments.

• Preclassic and Classic Periods: Rooms dedicated to these important periods of Mayan civilization, including a jade room, a room specifically for the Tikal archaeological site, and a monuments area. You can see models of Tikal, stelae with hieroglyphs, anthropomorphic sculptures, and polychrome vessels.

• Postclassic Period: Focuses on the art and culture of this period.

• Ethnology: A space dedicated to the diverse living cultures of Guatemala, with displays of traditional costumes, dioramas of Mayan village life, and depictions of rituals and customs.

The museum also offers interactive activities and workshops, such as "Archaeologist for a Day" for children, mask-making workshops, and a sensory room for the visually impaired, allowing them to explore exhibits through touch.