Noel Kempff Mercado Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz de la Sierra

The Noel Kempff Mercado Museum of Natural History offers visitors an enriching insight into Bolivia’s extraordinary natural heritage. Officially established on October 23, 1986, and relocated in 1992 to its current address, the museum serves both as an informative public space and a respected research center in the eastern region of Bolivia.

The museum honors the legacy of Noel Kempff Mercado, a pioneering Bolivian naturalist and conservationist deeply associated with Santa Cruz, who tragically died in the field in 1986. His dedication to preserving Bolivia’s diverse ecosystems is reflected in the museum's mission-promoting biodiversity research, education, and environmental stewardship across the nation.

Inside, you'll find an expansive collection of scientific specimens: approximately 50,000 botanical samples, 135,000 insects, 1,960 mammals, 22,000 fish, nearly 5,000 reptiles, about 2,685 amphibians, 3,000 birds, and 5,000 fossils, including trilobites, dinosaur bones, and remains of a giant ground sloth (meghaterium) found near La Guardia. These collections span disciplines such as zoology, botany, paleontology, geology, and geospatial science, backed by a powerful geospatial information bank of satellite images and detailed maps.

The exhibit hall provides interactive displays, dioramas, preserved specimens, minerals (including rare bolivianita native to Bolivia), educational panels, and biodiversity photography. In addition, the facilities include a spatial-analysis laboratory, a specialized library, and an auditorium, and offer guided visits and environmental education programs tailored for school groups, researchers, or casual visitors alike.

For travelers in Santa Cruz seeking to go beyond the usual attractions, the Noel Kempff Mercado Museum is a rewarding stop. Expect to spend around two to three hours exploring diverse galleries and immersing yourself in the richness of Bolivia’s natural world. It’s an experience that combines both scientific insight and visual wonder-an ideal complement to visits to nearby natural reserves or the municipal zoo located elsewhere in the city.