The building was constructed using a prefabricated design that was common for 19th-century port buildings in Chile.
It stands on the site of the former Port of Antofagasta customs house, which played a strategic role during the Pacific War.
The museum archives contain original documentation regarding the nitrate industry boom that defined northern Chile's economy.
The building is constructed from oregon pine and galvanized iron, materials chosen for their durability in the harsh, dry climate.
It is one of the few remaining examples of maritime architecture from the 1860s in the Antofagasta region.
The Museo Regional de Antofagasta is housed in the Ex-Aduana, a National Monument built in 1867 and one of the oldest structures in the city. The museum displays the cultural and natural history of the Antofagasta region, focusing on the desert environment and the coastal territory. Collections feature pre-Columbian archaeological artifacts, including mummified remains and pottery from the Chinchorro and Atacameño cultures. Exhibits also detail the industrial evolution of the area, specifically the development of the saltpeter (nitrate) mining era. The building itself reflects colonial architecture, constructed primarily of pine wood and iron brought from abroad. It functioned as the customs office for the port before being repurposed into a museum in 1980. Visitors can explore the historical transition from nomadic indigenous lifestyles to modern mining settlements. Educational displays clarify the geological significance of the Atacama Desert's unique coastline.
The internal wooden courtyard, which captures the symmetry and material detail of the 19th-century architecture.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Muelle Histórico to see the full historical context of the port.
Check for temporary local exhibitions in the main courtyard, which often showcase contemporary regional artists.
Visit the second floor for better views of the building's internal woodwork and rafters.
Do not mistake the museum for the nearby modern government administration buildings; ensure you are entering the historic wooden structure.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch historical artifacts or display cases; flash photography is generally prohibited inside to protect light-sensitive materials.
