The mansion
The museum is housed in the Villa Bentz, an 1880s wooden Victorian mansion built by a German amber merchant. The architecture alone is worth the entry fee.
The amber collection
Dominican amber is among the most prized in the world for its colour range (yellow through blue) and the unusual frequency of inclusions: insects, plants, even a small lizard, preserved for 15 to 40 million years.
How to combine
The museum sits 700 metres south of the Malecon. From Fortaleza San Felipe it is a 12 minute walk via the seafront and Parque Independencia. Most city tours visit the fortress first, walk the Malecon, then enter the Amber Museum.
Frequently asked questions
Yes if you have 30 to 45 minutes and any interest in fossils, geology or jewellery. The Victorian mansion alone is worth a stop. The gift shop has fair larimar and amber prices.
