The National Museum of Fine Arts is one of Chile’s most important cultural institutions. Located in front of Parque Forestal, near downtown Santiago, it showcases permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions.
Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts-style building designed by Chilean-French architect Emile Jéquier, the museum was inaugurated in 1910. Its collection includes over 5,000 works of Chilean and international art, spanning from the colonial period to the present day.
Nearest subway station: Santa Lucía (Line 1).
🕒Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- (last admission: 18:20 hours).
- All visits and activities are free of charge.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
Right behind the National Museum of Fine Arts is the Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, MAC). Founded in 1947 and managed by the University of Chile’s Faculty of Arts, this museum features a collection of over 2,000 pieces, including sculptures, paintings, and installation art.
The MAC has two locations in Santiago:
- Parque Forestal location (behind the National Museum of Fine Arts).
- Quinta Normal location, housed in the historic 'Palacio Versailles' on Matucana Avenue.
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:50 PM
Museo Histórico Nacional
Address: Plaza de Armas 951, Santiago, Chile
The Chilean National History Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional) was founded in 1911 with the mission of showcasing Chile's history from the pre-Hispanic era to the 1970s. It is located in Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Santiago, where key colonial institutions once stood.
Following the death of Pedro de Valdivia, the city's founder, in the Battle of Tucapel (1553), his property was divided into three important buildings:
- The Governor's Residence (now the Central Post Office)
- The Royal Court (now the National History Museum)
- The Colonial Cabildo (now Santiago's City Hall)
Permanent Exhibition: Explore Chilean history across 18 themed rooms, covering key events, artifacts, and cultural heritage.
Temporary Exhibits: Visit the Sala Gobernadores on the ground floor for rotating exhibitions.
Free Exhibits: The museum also offers free exhibitions at the Plaza de Armas metro station.
🕙 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on: January 1, Good Friday, May 1, September 17–19, November 1, and December 25.
Biblioteca Nacional
Address: 651 Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Ave., Santiago
Founded on August 19, 1813, the National Library of Chile is one of the most important libraries in Latin America. Managed by the Ministry of Education, it holds a vast bibliographic catalog with over 1.1 million records and a digital collection with approximately 165,000 items.
A key highlight is Memoria Chilena, a digital resource center offering in-depth thematic research on Chile’s history and cultural heritage.
Conveniently located just a few steps from Santa Lucía Metro Station (Line 1), the library is easily accessible for visitors.
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last borrowing: 6:45 PM)
- Saturday: 9:10 AM – 2:00 PM (Last return: 1:45 PM)
- Closed on Sundays and public holidays
Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda
The Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda is a modern underground cultural center located beneath Plaza de la Ciudadanía, in front of the southern gate of La Moneda Palace, Chile’s presidential building. Managed by a private non-profit foundation, this 7,200 m² space features stunning contemporary architecture and two main exhibition halls.
The center hosts art fairs and exhibitions from various cultures, but its greatest significance lies in offering deep insight into Chile’s social, political, and economic transformations.
In addition to the two main exhibition halls, the center also offers:
- Cineteca Nacional – Two cinemas featuring ongoing film festivals.
- Visual Arts Documentation Center – A collection of audiovisual materials and publications on contemporary Chilean art.
- Oriente, Poniente, and Lateral Galleries – Additional exhibition spaces showcasing diverse cultural displays.
- Handicraft Shops – Stores featuring exquisite local crafts and artisan pieces.
Museo Histórico y Militar de Chile
The museum offers a chronological journey through five centuries of Chilean history, emphasizing the values and traditions of the Chilean Army. Its diverse exhibition includes military artifacts, religious antiques, and key historical events where the Army played a significant role.
Visitors can also explore a specialized military history library with around 25,000 volumes, participate in educational workshops, courses, and guided tours, and access a virtual museum on its official website.
- Address: 1550 Almirante Blanco Encalada Ave.
- Phone: +56 2 2694 9900
- Nearest subway station: Toesca (Line 2)
- Free admission
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio
Located in Santiago’s Cerrillos neighborhood, it features themed rooms on flight and mythology, aviation pioneers, medical aviation, engines, weapons, textiles, and art. Guided tours are available upon request.
- Address: 5000 Pedro Aguirre Cerda Ave.
- Nearest subway station: Cerrillos (Line 6)
- Phone: +56 2 2436 3991
- Free admission
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Closed: on Mondays
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Address: 501 Matucana St., Santiago
Nearest subway station: Quinta Normal
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is dedicated to remembering the human rights violations committed during Chile’s military government (1973–1990). This period, marked by political violence from both sides, also brought significant economic modernization.
The museum serves as a space for reflection and learning, preserving testimonies, documents, and exhibits that highlight the impact of this era.
Museo Interactivo Mirador
Address: 6711 Punta Arenas St., La Granja, Santiago
The Mirador Interactive Museum is a hands-on science gallery where kids, students, and visitors explore science and the environment through interactive exhibits. Touch, feel, and experiment in a fun, educational experience.
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Closed: January 1, May 1, December 25
Museo Interactivo Artequin
Address: 3530 Portales Ave., Estación Central, Santiago
Nearest subway station: Quinta Normal (Line 5)
The Artequin Museum offers a fun, interactive way to explore art, with guided activities, videos, games, and workshops for all ages. Its collection features photographic reproductions of iconic artworks from the 15th to 20th centuries.
Housed in the Paris Pavilion, a National Monument built for the 1889 Paris World Fair, the museum blends history and creativity in a unique setting.
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays & February
Museo de Artes Visuales (Visual Arts Museum)
Located in the lively Lastarria neighborhood, near Santa Lucía Hill, the Museo de Artes Visuales (MAVI) is a must-visit attraction for art lovers. Opened in 2001, this museum features six exhibition rooms showcasing over 1,500 works by Chilean artists, including sculptures, paintings, photography, and installation art.
Surrounded by theaters, art galleries, and cultural spaces, the area offers a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere, making it a top destination for tourists exploring Santiago.
Address: 307 José Victorino Lastarria St. (Mulato Gil de Castro Square)
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Closed on Mondays and holidays
Museo
Arqueológico (Archaeological Museum)
Located in Santiago’s Lastarria district, the Archaeological Museum was founded in 1981 next to the Museum of Fine Arts in Mulato Gil de Castro Square.
This small yet fascinating gallery houses a collection of over 3,300 archaeological artifacts, representing ancient cultures from northern, central, and southern Chile, as well as the Rapa Nui people of Polynesia.
Among its most significant pieces is a Chinchorro mummy, part of a civilization that inhabited the Atacama Desert coastline between 7020 and 1500 B.C. The Chinchorro people were the first in the world to practice artificial mummification, thousands of years before the Egyptians. While specific artifacts on display may vary, the museum provides valuable insight into Chile’s rich pre-Columbian history.
Ideal for history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Archaeological Museum of Santiago offers a unique glimpse into the country’s ancient past.
Museo de Arte Precolombino
(Chilean Museum of
Precolumbian Art)
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Discover the rich heritage of ancient American cultures, from Mexico to the southernmost regions of Chile, in this renowned museum. Housed in the historic Palacio de la Real Aduana (Royal Customs Palace), built in 1805 during the colonial era, its spacious and modernized facilities offer an immersive journey through pre-Columbian art and history.
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
- Closed on Mondays
Ideal for history enthusiasts and culture lovers, this must-visit museum in Santiago provides a fascinating look at the artistry and traditions of pre-Hispanic civilizations.
Museo Casa Colorada (Red House Museum)
Address: 860 Merced Street, Santiago – just half a block from the main square.
Step into Santiago's past at Museo Casa Colorada, a historic colonial mansion that once belonged to Mateo de Toro y Zambrano, president of the First Government Junta of Chile. Built in the 18th century, this well-preserved landmark showcases the architecture of the colonial era and offers a deep dive into Santiago’s history.
Inside, five exhibition halls take visitors on a journey through 400 years of history, from pre-Hispanic civilizations to the late 19th century. A must-visit for history lovers exploring Santiago.
🕒 Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 11:00 – 14:00
- Monday: Closed
Museo La Merced: A Glimpse into Chile's Colonial and Pre-Hispanic History
Located at 341 Mac Iver St., Santiago, next to the Temple of La Merced, this museum houses one of Chile’s richest collections of religious colonial art, pre-Hispanic artifacts, and a captivating exhibition on the Rapanui culture of Easter Island.
History of Museo La Merced
Founded in 1873, the museum initially showcased antiques, gradually evolving into a space that preserves the legacy of the Order of La Merced, which has been present in Chile since 1549.
What to See at Museo La Merced
- Colonial religious art
- Pre-Hispanic objects
- Rapanui civilization exhibition
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
For history enthusiasts, Museo La Merced offers a must-see cultural experience in downtown Santiago, Chile.
Museo del Carmen
Located next to the Templo Votivo de Maipú (Votive Temple of Maipú), this museum houses valuable documents, treasures, and both civil and religious garments from the Colonial and Independence periods. Among its most significant artifacts is the original record of the installation of Chile’s First Government Junta in 1810.
🕒Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Museo de Bomberos de Santiago
The Firemen's Museum of Santiago honors the history and bravery of Chilean firefighters, who have long served as dedicated volunteers with strong community support. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, including uniforms, medals, firefighting equipment, and antique fire trucks that illustrate the evolution of this noble profession over the years.
Housed in the former barracks of the First Fire Company, the building itself is a national monument, recognized for its architectural and cultural significance. A visit to this museum offers a deeper understanding of Santiago’s history and a chance to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of its firefighters. A must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Chilean culture.
- Address: 978 Santo Domingo St., Santiago, Chile
- Phone: +56 223061500
- Admission: Free
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Museo de Autos Antiguos
The Old Cars Museum is a fascinating yet little-known non-profit institution that car enthusiasts will love. It was inaugurated on September 18, 2010, as a tribute to Chile’s bicentennial, showcasing an impressive collection of vintage automobiles.
Experts consider this museum the most comprehensive of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. According to its owner, Mr. Gabriel Lira, many of the classic cars are in such excellent condition that they could travel long distances without issues—some could reach La Serena (465 km away), while others could even make it to Arica (2,032 km from Santiago).
Beyond classic cars, the museum also features the Sala de Defensa, an exhibit displaying historical artifacts from the Chilean Army. This remarkable museum in Santiago is a must-visit for history buffs and automobile lovers alike.
- Address: 200 Cañaveral St., Quilicura, Santiago
- Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Museo de Historia Natural (Natural History Museum)
Located in Quinta Normal Park, Santiago, this museum features Anthropology, Botany, Paleontology, Zoology, and Entomology exhibits. After being damaged in the 2010 earthquake, it underwent renovations and reopened in May 2012.
🕙Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sundays and Holidays (except Mondays): 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Closed: January 1, May 1, September 18-19, and December 25.
Museo de Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum)
Address: 834 Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Ave., near Santa Lucía Station (Metro Line 1).
Founded in 1969 with the support of the Franciscan Congregation, the Museo de Arte Colonial showcases an exceptional collection of Andean Colonial Art. The museum features seven exhibition halls and includes the San Francisco Church, one of the oldest buildings in Santiago, dating back to 1575. This historic church was declared a National Monument in 1951.
Despite the effects of several earthquakes over time, the museum remains a must-visit attraction for those interested in colonial history and religious art. Among its highlights are valuable paintings, silver and ironwork, and other colonial artifacts. A special section, the "Gabriela Mistral Room," honors Chile’s Nobel Prize-winning writer, displaying important documents along with her Nobel medal and diploma awarded by the Swedish Academy.
🕙 Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 13:30 & 15:00 – 18:00
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00
- Closed on Holidays
Museo de Artes Decorativas (Decorative Arts Museum)
The museum features a collection of over 2,500 pieces spanning approximately twenty categories, including silverware, porcelain, ceramics, and ivory. Its exhibits range from the Eastern world to Hispano-America and cover a timeline from Ancient Greece to the present.
- Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
- Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, including September 17, December 24, and December 31.
La Chascona (La Chascona House- Museum)
Address: 0192 Fernando Márquez de la Plata St., Barrio Bellavista
La Chascona is the name Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Neftalí Reyes Basoalto—better known as Pablo Neruda—gave to his house in Santiago. This House-Museum is a major attraction for visitors, not only for its rich history and cultural significance but also for the valuable collections Neruda brought from around the world.
Declared a National Monument, La Chascona is located in the bohemian Barrio Bellavista, near San Cristóbal Hill, one of Santiago’s most visited areas. The neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring numerous bars, restaurants, and cultural centers.
🕙Opening Hours:
- March to December: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- January and February: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Museo Violeta Parra
The Violeta Parra Museum, located at 37 Vicuña Mackenna Street in Santiago’s Providencia neighborhood, celebrates the life and legacy of Violeta Parra, a pivotal figure in Chilean folklore.
A passionate researcher and preserver of folk traditions, Parra dedicated herself to documenting the music and culture of working-class and rural communities. Her artistic talents extended beyond music—she was also a gifted painter, sculptor, ceramicist, and embroiderer. Today, she is recognized as one of Latin America’s most influential folklorists.
Nearest Metro Station: Baquedano
Museo de la Moda (Fashion Museum of Santiago)
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| Car of Diana, Princess of Wales Image: Emol online newspaper |
Address: 4562 Vitacura Ave., Vitacura, Santiago, Chile.
The Museo de la Moda is a private, non-profit institution located in the Vitacura district of Santiago. The museum is housed in a building that once belonged to the Yarur-Bascuñán family, dating back to 1962. It was inaugurated in July 2007 by the Fundación Museo de la Moda, established in 1999 by Jorge Yarur Bascuñán, son of lawyer and businessman Jorge Yarur Banna.
Dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of fashion history, the museum showcases garments primarily acquired through international auctions or donated by private collectors. Its collection is among the most extensive of any private gallery in Chile, featuring pieces that date from the 5th century BC to the present.
Notable items in the collection include:
- The red dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1956 for the premiere of A View from the Bridge.
- The iconic black leather jacket and matching glove worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator.
- The wedding dress Elizabeth Taylor wore in 1975 when she married Richard Burton for the second time.
- The black dress worn by Princess Diana in 1981 after announcing her engagement to Prince Charles.
- The military-style jacket John Lennon wore on the cover of Life magazine in 1966.
- The green velvet jacket Kurt Cobain wore during the Live and Loud concert in 1993.
- The white dress Amy Winehouse wore on the cover of her 2006 album Back to Black.
In June 2021, the Museo de la Moda acquired Princess Diana’s Ford Escort at an online auction. The car, a gift from Prince Charles upon their engagement, was used by the princess until 1982. It retains its original paint, license plate, and has a mileage of 133,600 km.
🕙Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Museo Ferroviario (Railway Museum)
Since December 1984, the Railway Museum has offered an engaging outdoor experience showcasing one of South America's most significant collections of steam locomotives. Located within Parque Quinta Normal in Santiago, Chile, it is managed by the Corporación Privada para la Divulgación de la Ciencia y Tecnología.
The museum features 16 historic locomotives and four heritage wagons, each accompanied by bilingual informational panels detailing their technical and historical significance. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours that highlight the importance of these remarkable exhibits.
- Nearest Metro station: Quinta Normal (Line 5)
- Info: +56 2 2681 4627
- Website: Museo Ferroviario
Museo Ralli (Ralli Museum of Santiago)
Address: 4110 Alonso de Sotomayor St., Vitacura, Santiago
The Ralli Museums form a private non-profit organization with exhibition galleries in Uruguay, Israel, Spain, and Chile. Their mission is to showcase contemporary Latin American art to the public.
The Ralli Museum of Santiago, which boasts impressive architecture and beautiful gardens, opened its doors in 1992. Though not widely known, it is one of the most remarkable museums in the Chilean capital. The gallery features 16 exhibition rooms displaying a significant collection of Latin American art—unique in Chile—with works from artists across Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Cuba, among others. Additionally, the museum houses an outstanding collection of works by renowned artists such as Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, Auguste Rodin, and Alexander Calder, including engravings and sculptures that leave a lasting impression.
🕙Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on holidays
- Closed in February
Jedimar Vintage Car Museum – A ust-Visit in Santiago, Chile
Phone: +56 9 7498 0201
The Jedimar Vintage Car Museum houses one of the most comprehensive private collections of classic and antique automobiles in Chile and South America. With over 150 iconic models, the museum showcases legendary brands such as Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, Studebaker, and Ferrari.
A favorite among students, tourists, and car enthusiasts, Jedimar offers a journey through the golden eras of the automotive industry. Each exhibit tells the story of the world’s most emblematic cars, immersing visitors in the history and evolution of classic automobiles.
Museo Andino: Discover Chile’s Pre-Columbian Heritage
The Museo Andino (Andean Museum), inaugurated in January 2006, offers free admission to the public. Located within Viña Santa Rita (Santa Rita Vineyard), this museum showcases a remarkable collection of pre-Columbian archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, along with rotating temporary exhibitions.
Spanning 1,500 square meters, the museum provides a captivating journey through Chile’s Andean heritage. Visitors can admire textiles, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from various indigenous cultures. The museum also features a specialized library, a souvenir shop, and a café, ensuring a well-rounded cultural experience.
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: Free
Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater of Santiago)
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Address: 794 Agustinas St., Santiago, Chile
Declared a National Monument in 1974, the Municipal Theater of Santiago is the largest and oldest venue in Chile dedicated to classical music, ballet, and opera. It also hosts theater performances, piano recitals, lyrical singers, and internationally renowned artists and companies.
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