Complex

Set in the heart of historic El Triunfo, the property and grounds of the interpretive center offer visitors a variety of activities and spaces to explore and enjoy.

GROUP MEETINGS • RETREATS • LECTURES • FUNDRAISERS • AFTERNOON TEAS • WINE & CHEESE TASTINGS • WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • REUNIONS • CONCERTS • OTHER CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS

The landscaped, split-level, central courtyard connects the museum with the gift shop, theater and restaurant facilities. Wander the grounds and admire the magnificent bronze sculptures by Guadalajara artist Guillermo Gómez Macías, the fine art murals by La Paz artist Leonardo Díaz, and the accomplished works by La Paz artist Carlos César Díaz Castro. Take time to appreciate the surrounding hills and the two historic monuments from the Ruta de Plata era, the Ramona and Julia smokestacks.

Ticketing & Theater

Stop here to purchase your museum tickets, as well as quality souvenirs. (See Gift Shop below.) The entrance to the shop is on Calle Ayuntamiento, to the right of the Casa de Cultura and clock tower. Take a moment in our adjoining theater to watch the brief orientation film that gives context to the Ruta de Plata story, setting the scene for your entire visit. Once you exit to the upper plaza of the courtyard, you will see the museum entrance across the way.

Museum

The exhibition hall is housed on the main floor of the museum building and is accessed from the upper plaza. Featuring a variety of interactive exhibits that highlight the rich mining heritage of the Ruta de Plata region, the hall offers close to 2,000 square feet (200 sq. meters) of space. Displays are tailored to visitors of all ages. The exhibition area has a capacity of 25 people. A separate mineral collection is situated to the right of the steps that lead down to the lower plaza.

Library & Archives

On the upper floor, above the museum, the Museo Ruta de Plata Library was designed to house a unique collection of books, electronic publications and historical newspapers from Mexico, the U.S.A. and Europe. These materials highlight the region’s mining history from 1750 to 1930. Among the library’s collection are dispatches from what was the U.S. Consulate in La Paz from 1855 to 1906. This space may be reserved by private parties with optional catering services included.

Also located on the upper floor of the museum, this Victorian style drawing room is embellished with antique furnishings, a Steinway piano and a balcony with views of the surrounding village and landscape. Open Saturdays and Sundays, this is a unique setting in which to reflect upon what you have seen and experienced in the downstairs exhibits while enjoying a traditional Victorian style afternoon tea. Reserve now — 612-229-5578 — and ask about our live music, aperitifs, delicious finger sandwiches, desserts, teas and coffees.

Thirsty or peckish? Open Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to visit Toggle, our wine cellar located on the upper plaza to the right of the museum entrance. Sip wine or beer in this cozy twenty by eight-foot space (2.4 by 6 meters), or take your drink out to the courtyard under the shade of the mesquite trees. Pair your beverages with exquisite, local, artisanal cheeses, fresh, organic oysters from Sol Azul, or simply a light snack. The wine cellar may be reserved by private parties.

El Minero Restaurant

Since 2015, El Minero has been serving refreshing beverages and homemade specialties using local suppliers and the freshest seasonal produce. On weekend afternoons, sip craft beers, sangria or margaritas on the terrace of the lower plaza while Chef Felipe prepares his award-winning paella over a mesquite fire. Click on the image below for more details, including photos, hours, menus and reservations. The main restaurant entrance is on Calle Progreso, shown on the map below. This facility may also be reserved for your own event.

— Special thanks to Costa Palmas and photographer Sara Richardson for the above images of the museum entrance and the gift shop, and to Faby, one of our May 2019 reviewers, for those of the tea salon and wine cellar. We appreciate your support.