Archeological Museum of Pasca

The Archaeological Museum of Pasca, known in Spanish as the Museo Arqueológico de Pasca, is an archaeological museum located in the town of Pasca, Colombia. Founded in 1969 by the Roman Catholic priest Jaime Hincapié Santamaría, it holds particular significance as a regional repository for Pre-Columbian material culture, especially artifacts related to the Muisca civilization. The museum opened to the public in 1973 and has since served as an important center for preserving and displaying Colombia's indigenous heritage, housing approximately 2,500 objects that span multiple ancient cultures.

Jaime Hincapié Santamaría, a Roman Catholic priest, established the museum in 1969, with public access beginning four years later in 1973. The institution reflects a broader pattern in Colombia where religious figures played pivotal roles in preserving archaeological heritage during a period of growing national consciousness about indigenous history. The museum was later renamed to honor its founder, becoming the Museo de Arqueología e Historia Natural de Pasca Jaime Hincapié Santa María. Its second floor now contains a dedicated room honoring Hincapié Santamaría's legacy.

The museum's holdings number more than 2,500 pieces, with particular strength in Muisca material. The collection extends well beyond this single culture to include archaeological material from the Tairona, Calima, Quimbaya, Sinú, San Agustín, and Tierradentro cultures, among others. The permanent exhibition is organized across three themed rooms: "Coleccionismo y arqueología en Pasca," "Pasca territorio de ofrendas," and "Legar para el futuro." A separate space hosts temporary exhibitions addressing art, culture, and heritage topics. The institution also maintains a specialized documentation center containing approximately 8,000 books focused on social science subjects.

Among the museum's most significant objects is a replica of the famous Balsa Muisca, the golden raft that represents the El Dorado rite; the original was discovered near Pasca. The museum also preserves an important piece of Muisca textile originating from Belén, Boyacá. Human remains, including Muisca mummies, form a notable component of the collection. The natural history division preserves more than 300 specimens of reptiles, mammals, birds, and invertebrates through taxidermy, alongside approximately 36 minerals and fossils found in the region.

The museum incorporates a botanical garden and a large insectarium as part of its physical plant. The natural history collections, including stuffed animals, are integrated into the museum's spatial design. The second floor houses the founder's memorial room.

The museum is located in Pasca, a town in Colombia, and operates as a public cultural institution. Its dual focus on archaeology and natural history, combined with its specialized library and exhibition program, positions it as a regional center for research and education. The museum maintains an official website and Facebook page for visitor information.