Museo Nacional de Arqueología

Lonely Planet review

Two blocks east of the Prado, the National Archaeology Museum holds a small but well-sorted collection of artifacts illustrating the most interesting aspects of the Tiahuanaco culture's five stages. Unfortunately there are no explanations in English, only Spanish.

Most of Tiahuanaco's treasures were stolen or damaged during the colonial days, so the extent of the collection isn't overwhelming and can be easily digested in an hour. Some of the ancient stonework disappeared into Spanish construction projects, while valuable pieces - gold and other metallic relics and artwork - found their way into European museums or were melted down for royal treasuries. Most of what remains in Bolivia - pottery, figurines, trepanned skulls, mummies, textiles and metal objects - is housed in several rooms of this museum.