Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos 🇧🇴

Step into Bolivia's cultural heritage at the Pre-Columbian Precious Metals Museum, located on historic Jaén Street in the city of La Paz. Set inside the former historic house of Apolinar Jaén—inaugurated as a museum in 1984—this remarkable institution was originally known as the Gold Museum. As you explore its historic halls, you will encounter an astonishing collection of over 2,000 pre-Hispanic artifacts carved from stone, metal, and ceramic.

Inside, you can marvel at the gold room's magnificent Inca artifacts, including pectoral diadems, ear ornaments, blanket ornaments, and decorative clothing elements. Transition to the silver room to inspect religious and ceremonial objects crafted by ancient cultures such as the Aymara, Mollo, Wankarani, Chiripa, Tiwanaku, and Inca. A true centerpiece of your visit is the Treasure of San Sebastián, featuring over 700 gold pieces believed to originate from a Tiwanaku tomb, including bracelets, pectorals, and a diadem discovered in Cochabamba in 1916.

Do not miss the mysterious ceramic Fuente Magna, found near Lake Titicaca, which captivates scholars with its controversial inscriptions that some claim resemble proto-Sumerian script. It is an unmissable destination for anyone looking to connect with ancient Andean craftsmanship.

What to see at Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos

• Over 2,000 pre-Hispanic stone, ceramic, and metal artifacts
• Inca gold collection featuring pectoral diadems, ear ornaments, and clothing
• Silver ceremonial items from the Aymara, Tiwanaku, Chiripa, and Inca cultures
• The Treasure of San Sebastián with over 700 historic gold pieces
• The controversial Fuente Magna ceramic bowl discovered near Lake Titicaca

Visiting tips

Be sure to closely inspect the ceramic Fuente Magna artifact to see the intriguing inscriptions that scholars debate today.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos is easy to reach on La Paz’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz, Bolivia and National Museum of Art, La Paz. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our La Paz travel guide.