About the Middle American Research Institute
Founded in 1924, the Middle American Research Institute (M.A.R.I.) at Tulane University strives to promote greater understanding of the vibrant and diverse cultures of Middle America. It stewards an extensive collection of textiles, artifacts, and an archive of letters, field notes, maps, and photographs from the scores of field projects it has sponsored and continues to sponsor. We strive to make these accessible to researchers and the general public through a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and symposia.
Furthermore, M.A.R.I. continues to support anthropological, archaeological, ethnohistorical, linguistic, and ethnographic research projects throughout Mexico and Central America.
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Next M.A.R.I. Lunch Talk:
September 22nd, 2023
(more information)
Explore the Lunch Talks Archive.
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M.A.R.I. Gallery
Explore our exhibits:
"Faces of the Maya: Profiles in Continuity and Resilience" takes viewers on a journey through time, showcasing the development of the Maya civilization from 1000 BC to the present. The exhibit uses objects from the M.A.R.I collections in an attempt to dispel erroneous notions of the Maya civilization.
"Making M.A.R.I." explores the rich history of the Middle American Research Institute since the 1920s. As a constituent of Tulane University's campus, M.A.R.I. plays an integral role in maintaining Tulane's long-standing connection with Latin America and has conducted nearly a century of research in Mesoamerica. In this exhibit, we examine M.A.R.I.'s legacy of research and outline the Institute's trajectory for the next hundred years.
