Mineralogical and Geological Museum - Oruro

Full name: Mineralogical and Geological Museum of the Oruro Technical University (UTO).
Location: University Citadel, southern area of the city of Oruro.
It belongs to the Faculty of Engineering / UTO Mines career.
Creation / origen: comes from university educational use; The museum has history since the beginning of the 20th century as a mineralogical cabinet for the School of Mines.
Collections: around 7.000 a 8.000 samples between minerals, rocks, fossils, topographic instruments.
Main sections: Mineralogy, Petrography, Paleontology.
It also houses foreign and national exhibitions.
They exhibit historical pieces such as ancient geological measuring instruments / mining (for example theodolites).
Some sources indicate that the museum was officially created in 1917, con 2.150 pieces back then, and has expanded its collections over time.
It is considered among the most complete museums of its kind in South America..
Declared Cultural Heritage / History of the department of Oruro.

The samples not only come from Bolivia but from other countries, which makes it an international comparative collection.
Precious mineral exhibits, various rocks, fossils, and elements that allow us to understand the geology and mining of the region.
Includes old technical instruments used in mining and geology (vintage tools, measuring equipment).
The history of Bolivian mining is also narrated in the museum., its development and socioeconomic importance.
It is highlighted that many samples come from the mining boom of tin and other minerals in Bolivia..

Contact: telephone (591‑2) 5261250
exact location: inside the UTO campus, in the university citadel, southern area of Oruro.
It is recommended to coordinate visits in advance, because on some occasions it may be closed to the regular public.
Height of the city of Oruro ~ 3.700 meters above sea level.