The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum frames island history, language, and objects that make moai and ahu easier to understand before you visit the quarry.
The museum has been closed to visitors since 19 July 2024, until further notice. Check museorapanui.gob.cl for news of its reopening.
The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum is the only Easter Island museum and was founded in 1973. It keeps preserved artifacts found on the island such as matā (obsidian stone tools), ancient fish hooks as well as the face of a moai with a coral eye. Unfortunately none of the rongo-rongo tablets are kept at this museum; they are all scattered at museums around the world.
The William Mulloy Library is part of the museum. The library holds plenty of exclusive scientific material on Rapa Nui.
Father Sebastian Englert
The museum is named for the German missionary Sebastian Englert (1888 - 1969) who lived at Rapa Nui for more than 30 years, extensively documenting the island's legends, language and culture in general.
Location
The museum is located in the Tahai sector. You may follow the coast, passing the Tahai area with moai statues until you reach a road, and then follow this road up. You may also follow the road passing the Tahai lookout, and after a couple of hundred meters when the road forks, take a left. After around 100 m the museum will appear to the left.
Entrance fee
Entrance to the museum is free.
Opening hours
The museum has been closed to visitors since 19 July 2024, until further notice. Check museorapanui.gob.cl for news of its reopening.
Tip
Budget 60–90 minutes; mornings are often calmer. Pair with Tahai at sunset the same day—it’s a short walk from the town core.
Location
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience.