Santiago, the capital of Chile, is home to a wide variety of museums dedicated to art, history, science, human rights, and culture. From elegant historic buildings to modern interactive spaces, the city offers excellent options for visitors interested in exploring the country’s heritage and artistic traditions.
Beyond its museums, Santiago also offers historic neighborhoods, panoramic viewpoints, parks, cultural centers, and many other attractions. You can explore more places to visit in our post Best Tourist Attractions in Santiago, Chile.
Below you will find some of the most important museums in Santiago, including information about their collections, locations, opening hours, and nearby subway stations.
Note: Opening hours, admission policies, and visitor information may change depending on holidays, special events, renovations, or administrative decisions. Whenever possible, it is recommended to verify details through the official website or by contacting the museum directly before visiting.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
The National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most important art museums in Chile and one of the oldest in Latin America. Located beside Parque Forestal in downtown Santiago, it hosts permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions featuring both Chilean and international artists.
The museum occupies an elegant Beaux-Arts building designed by Chilean-French architect Emile Jéquier and inaugurated in 1910 as part of Chile’s centennial celebrations. Its collection includes more than 5,000 works ranging from the colonial era to contemporary art.
Nearest subway station: Bellas Artes (Line 5).
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Last admission: 6:20 pm
- Free admission
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
Located next to the National Museum of Fine Arts in Parque Forestal, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) is one of Santiago’s leading spaces for modern and contemporary artistic expression. Founded in 1947 and administered by the University of Chile’s Faculty of Arts, the museum presents temporary exhibitions featuring Chilean and international artists.
The museum’s collection includes more than 2,000 works, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography, video art, and experimental installations.
The MAC operates in two historic buildings in Santiago:
- Parque Forestal location — beside the National Museum of Fine Arts
- Quinta Normal location — Palacio Versailles, Matucana Avenue
Nearest subway stations: Bellas Artes (Line 5) and Quinta Normal (Line 5).
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Free admission
Museo Histórico Nacional
Address: Plaza de Armas 951, Santiago, Chile
Located in Santiago’s historic Plaza de Armas, the Chilean National History Museum showcases the country’s history from pre-Hispanic times to the late 20th century. Founded in 1911, the museum occupies the former Royal Court Palace, one of the city’s most historically significant colonial buildings.
After the death of Santiago’s founder, Pedro de Valdivia, in the Battle of Tucapel in 1553, his property was divided into three important institutions:
- The Governor’s Residence — now the Central Post Office
- The Royal Court — now the National History Museum
- The Colonial Cabildo — now Santiago City Hall
What to See
The museum’s permanent exhibition is distributed across 18 themed rooms featuring historical artifacts, documents, furniture, clothing, photographs, and objects related to Chile’s political, social, and cultural development.
Temporary exhibitions are regularly presented in the Sala Gobernadores on the ground floor. The museum also organizes free cultural exhibitions at Plaza de Armas subway station.
Nearest subway station: Plaza de Armas (Lines 3 and 5).
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Free admission
- Closed on January 1, Good Friday, May 1, September 18–19, and December 25
This museum is an excellent place to learn about Chile’s historical development while visiting the colonial center of Santiago.
Biblioteca Nacional
Address: 651 Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Avenue, Santiago
Founded on August 19, 1813, the National Library of Chile is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions and one of the oldest libraries in Latin America. Managed by Chile’s Ministry of Education, it preserves an extensive bibliographic and historical collection that includes books, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and digital archives.
One of its most valuable resources is Memoria Chilena, a digital platform dedicated to Chilean history, literature, art, and cultural heritage through documents, images, and specialized research materials.
The library occupies an impressive neoclassical building in downtown Santiago, just a short walk from Santa Lucía subway station.
Nearest subway station: Santa Lucía (Line 1).
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Closed on Sundays and public holidays
- Free admission
Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda
The La Moneda Palace Cultural Center is a modern underground cultural complex located beneath Plaza de la Ciudadanía, directly in front of La Moneda Palace, Chile’s presidential headquarters. Opened in 2006, the center combines contemporary architecture with exhibition spaces dedicated to art, cinema, photography, design, and cultural heritage.
The cultural center regularly hosts exhibitions featuring Chilean and international artists, as well as events exploring the country’s social, political, and cultural development.
Highlights
In addition to its main exhibition halls, the center includes several cultural spaces and services:
- Cineteca Nacional — film screenings, archives, and festivals
- Visual Arts Documentation Center — specialized resources on Chilean contemporary art
- Oriente, Poniente, and Lateral Galleries — additional exhibition spaces
- Handicraft shops — local artisan products and traditional crafts
Nearest subway station: La Moneda (Line 1).
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Some exhibitions and activities may require paid admission
The cultural center is one of Santiago’s most important artistic and cultural venues and an excellent place to experience contemporary Chilean culture.
Museo Histórico y Militar de Chile
The Historical and Military Museum of Chile is one of the country’s main institutions dedicated to preserving Chilean military history. Opened in 1997, the museum occupies the historic building that once housed the first Military School of the Chilean Army.
Its exhibitions present a chronological overview of Chile’s military and national history through uniforms, weapons, documents, medals, religious artifacts, paintings, and historical objects related to important events and military campaigns.
The museum also features a specialized military history library with thousands of volumes, educational activities, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions.
- Address: 1550 Almirante Blanco Encalada Avenue
- Phone: +56 2 2694 9900
- Nearest subway station: Toesca (Line 2)
- Free admission
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio
The National Aeronautics and Space Museum is one of Chile’s most important museums dedicated to aviation history and aerospace development. Located in Santiago’s Cerrillos district, the museum preserves and promotes the country’s aeronautical heritage through a large collection of historic aircraft, engines, uniforms, photographs, documents, and aviation artifacts.
Its collection includes more than 100 aircraft and helicopters, several of which have been declared national monuments. Visitors can explore exhibits related to Chilean aviation pioneers, military and civil aviation, aerial medicine, navigation systems, engines, textiles, and aeronautical technology.
The museum also features outdoor exhibition areas and thematic galleries that illustrate the evolution of aviation in Chile and around the world.
- Address: 5000 Pedro Aguirre Cerda Avenue
- Nearest subway station: Cerrillos (Line 6)
- Phone: +56 2 2436 3991
- Free admission
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
The museum is an excellent destination for aviation enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in Chile’s aerospace history, especially given its location in Cerrillos, an area that is also becoming one of the country’s main centers for aerospace development.
Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Address: 501 Matucana Street, Santiago
Nearest subway station: Quinta Normal (Line 5).
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights is dedicated to preserving the memory of the human rights violations committed during Chile’s military government between 1973 and 1990. Opened in 2010, the museum was created as a space for reflection, education, and historical remembrance regarding one of the most complex and divisive periods in modern Chilean history. The years surrounding the military government were marked by deep political polarization and episodes of violence, circumstances that continue to shape discussions about this period of Chile’s past.
Through photographs, audiovisual archives, testimonies, official documents, and personal objects, the museum documents the experiences of victims of political repression while promoting respect for democracy and human rights.
Its modern architecture and carefully curated exhibitions make it one of Santiago’s most important cultural and historical institutions.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Free admission
- Closed on Mondays
The museum offers an important opportunity to better understand a significant and complex period in Chile’s recent history.
Museo de Historia Natural (Natural History Museum)
Located inside Santiago’s historic Quinta Normal Park, the Natural History Museum is one of Chile’s oldest and most important museums. Founded in 1830, it houses extensive collections related to anthropology, botany, paleontology, zoology, and entomology, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Among its highlights are exhibits on Chile’s native wildlife, prehistoric fossils, and the famous blue whale skeleton displayed in the museum’s central hall. The elegant neoclassical building, originally constructed for the 1875 International Exhibition of Santiago, is itself a historic landmark.
After suffering damage during the 2010 earthquake, the museum underwent major restoration work and successfully reopened in 2012. Today, it remains a favorite destination for families, students, tourists, and anyone interested in science and Chilean history.
- Address: Interior Quinta Normal Park, Santiago
- Nearest subway station: Quinta Normal (Line 5)
- Admission: Free
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 Interactivo Mirador
Address: 6711 Punta Arenas Street, La Granja, Santiago
The Mirador Interactive Museum (MIM) is one of the most popular science museums in Chile and one of Santiago’s best attractions for families and children. Opened in 2000, the museum combines education and entertainment through interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to experiment, touch, explore, and learn.
Its exhibitions cover topics such as physics, astronomy, biology, robotics, energy, perception, and environmental science. The museum also features large outdoor areas, interactive gardens, and spaces designed specifically for younger children.
One of its main attractions is the modern planetarium, which offers immersive audiovisual experiences related to astronomy and space exploration.
Thanks to its interactive approach, the museum provides an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Closed on Mondays
- Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25
The museum is especially recommended for families traveling with children, students, and anyone interested in science and technology.
Museo Interactivo Artequin
Address: 3530 Portales Avenue, Estación Central, Santiago
Nearest subway station: Quinta Normal (Line 5).
The Artequin Interactive Museum offers an entertaining and educational introduction to the world of art through interactive exhibits, workshops, games, audiovisual presentations, and creative activities designed for children, students, and families.
Rather than displaying original paintings, the museum features high-quality reproductions of famous artworks from the 15th to the 20th centuries, allowing visitors to explore art history in a dynamic and accessible way.
The museum is housed inside the historic Paris Pavilion, an elegant iron structure originally built for the 1889 Paris Universal Exposition and later brought to Chile. Today, the building is recognized as a National Monument.
Located near Quinta Normal Park and several other museums, Artequin is one of Santiago’s best cultural attractions for families with children.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays and during February
Museo de Artes Visuales
Located in Santiago’s lively Lastarria neighborhood near Santa Lucía Hill, the Visual Arts Museum (MAVI) is one of the city’s leading spaces for contemporary Chilean art. Opened in 2001, the museum showcases a broad collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, video art, and installations created mainly by modern and contemporary Chilean artists.
The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 1,500 works, while its temporary exhibitions regularly feature emerging and established artists from Chile and abroad. MAVI also organizes educational activities, workshops, conferences, and cultural events throughout the year.
Situated beside Mulato Gil de Castro Square and surrounded by cafés, theaters, bookstores, and cultural centers, the museum is part of one of Santiago’s most attractive artistic and bohemian districts.
- Address: 307 José Victorino Lastarria Street, Santiago
- Nearest subway station: Universidad Católica (Line 1)
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
The museum is especially recommended for visitors interested in contemporary art and Santiago’s cultural scene.
Museo Arqueológico de Santiago
Located in Santiago’s Lastarria district near Mulato Gil de Castro Square, the Archaeological Museum of Santiago offers an interesting introduction to the ancient cultures that inhabited Chile long before the arrival of the Spanish. Founded in 1981, the museum preserves archaeological and ethnographic collections representing different regions of the country.
Its collection includes more than 3,000 artifacts from northern, central, and southern Chile, as well as objects connected to the Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island. Visitors can see ceramics, textiles, tools, ornaments, funerary objects, and other pieces that illustrate the diversity of Chile’s pre-Columbian civilizations.
One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is a Chinchorro mummy. The Chinchorro culture, which lived along the Atacama Desert coast thousands of years ago, is recognized as the world’s earliest known society to practice artificial mummification, predating the ancient Egyptians.
Despite its relatively small size, the museum provides valuable insight into Chile’s archaeological heritage and indigenous cultures.
- Address: 307 José Victorino Lastarria Street, Santiago
- Nearest subway station: Universidad Católica (Line 1)
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
The museum is especially recommended for visitors interested in archaeology, indigenous cultures, and Chile’s ancient history.
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Located near Plaza de Armas in downtown Santiago, the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is considered one of Latin America’s most important museums dedicated to the art and cultures of the ancient Americas.
Opened in 1981, the museum is housed inside the historic Palacio de la Real Aduana, an elegant colonial-era building constructed in the early 19th century. Its modern exhibition spaces present an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian objects from across the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, the Andes, the Amazon region, and Chile.
The collection includes textiles, ceramics, gold objects, wooden carvings, masks, jewelry, and ritual artifacts created by civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, Inca, Diaguita, Mapuche, and Rapa Nui peoples.
One of the museum’s highlights is its renowned exhibition on ancient Chilean cultures, including artifacts from the Atacama Desert and Chinchorro mummies, among the oldest artificially mummified human remains in the world.
- Address: 361 Bandera Street, Santiago
- Nearest subway station: Plaza de Armas (Lines 3 and 5)
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays
The museum is an essential stop for visitors interested in archaeology, indigenous cultures, and the artistic heritage of the ancient Americas.
Museo Casa Colorada
Located in Santiago’s historic downtown near Plaza de Armas, the Casa Colorada Museum is one of the city’s most important colonial landmarks. Built between 1769 and 1779, this elegant mansion originally belonged to Mateo de Toro y Zambrano, president of Chile’s First Government Junta in 1810.
Constructed with distinctive reddish stone brought from Cerro San Cristóbal — which inspired the name “Casa Colorada” (“Red House”) — the building preserves valuable examples of colonial architecture, including interior courtyards, thick adobe walls, and traditional wooden balconies.
The museum’s permanent exhibitions explore more than four centuries of Santiago’s history, from pre-Hispanic cultures and the Spanish colonial era to the development of modern Chilean society. Historical artifacts, maps, photographs, documents, and interactive displays provide visitors with a fascinating overview of the capital’s evolution.
Thanks to its central location, the museum can easily be combined with visits to nearby attractions such as Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Address: 860 Merced St., Santiago
Nearest subway station: Plaza de Armas (Lines 3 and 5)
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Museo La Merced
Located beside the historic Basílica de La Merced in downtown Santiago, the La Merced Museum preserves one of Chile’s most valuable collections of colonial religious art, pre-Hispanic artifacts, and cultural treasures linked to Rapa Nui heritage.
Founded in 1873, the museum reflects the long history of the Order of La Merced, a religious congregation established in Chile since 1549. The museum occupies part of the convent complex adjoining the church, creating a unique atmosphere that blends spirituality, colonial architecture, and historical memory.
Its collections include colonial paintings, carved wooden sculptures, silverwork, liturgical objects, manuscripts, and archaeological pieces from various ancient cultures of Chile and the Andes. One of its most fascinating sections is dedicated to the Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island, featuring ethnographic objects and exhibits that help visitors better understand Polynesian heritage in Chilean territory.
Thanks to its central location near Plaza de Armas and Santa Lucía Hill, the museum can easily be combined with visits to other important cultural attractions in Santiago’s historic center.
Address: 341 Mac Iver St., Santiago
Nearest subway station: Bellas Artes (Line 5) or Plaza de Armas (Lines 3 and 5)
Highlights of the Museum
- Colonial religious paintings and sculptures
- Pre-Hispanic archaeological artifacts
- Rapa Nui cultural exhibition
- Historic convent courtyards and architecture
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Ideal for visitors interested in religion, archaeology, and Chilean history, the La Merced Museum offers a quieter and lesser-known cultural experience in the heart of Santiago.
Museo del Carmen
Located beside the impressive Templo Votivo de Maipú, the Museo del Carmen preserves an important collection related to Chile’s colonial and independence history. The museum is part of the historic sanctuary complex built to commemorate the Battle of Maipú, one of the decisive events in Chile’s struggle for independence.
Its collections include colonial paintings, religious sculptures, liturgical objects, military artifacts, historical documents, and ceremonial garments from both the colonial and republican eras. One of the museum’s most valuable treasures is the original record documenting the establishment of Chile’s First Government Junta on September 18, 1810.
The museum also provides insight into the close relationship between religion, politics, and nation-building during Chile’s early history. Its quiet atmosphere and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in heritage and independence-era history.
Address: 1750 Camino a Rinconada, Maipú, Santiago
Nearest subway station: Plaza de Maipú (Line 5)
Highlights of the Museum
- Original record of Chile’s First Government Junta (1810)
- Colonial religious art and sculptures
- Historical documents and independence-era artifacts
- Traditional civil and religious garments
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
- Closed on Mondays
A visit to the Museo del Carmen can easily be combined with the nearby Templo Votivo de Maipú and its observation tower, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in southwestern Santiago.
Museo de Bomberos de Santiago
The Firefighters Museum of Santiago celebrates the history, courage, and public service of Chilean firefighters, whose fire departments operate primarily through a long-standing volunteer tradition supported by local communities. Located in downtown Santiago, the museum offers an engaging journey through more than 160 years of firefighting history in the Chilean capital.
Housed in the historic headquarters of the First Fire Company of Santiago, a declared National Monument, the museum preserves antique fire engines, historical uniforms, helmets, medals, photographs, alarms, and specialized firefighting equipment that illustrate the evolution of emergency response and urban protection over time.
Interactive exhibits and audiovisual displays help visitors better understand the risks, discipline, and solidarity associated with firefighting in Chile. The museum is especially popular with families and children thanks to its educational and hands-on approach.
Address: 978 Santo Domingo St., Santiago
Nearest subway station: Plaza de Armas (Lines 3 and 5)
Phone: +56 2 2306 1500
Admission: Free
Highlights of the Museum
- Historic fire trucks and emergency vehicles
- Antique firefighting equipment and uniforms
- Interactive and educational exhibits
- Historic headquarters of Santiago’s First Fire Company
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Combining history, technology, and civic values, the Firefighters Museum of Santiago offers one of the city’s most original and family-friendly cultural experiences.
Museo de Autos Antiguos (Vintage Car Museum)
Considered by many specialists to be among the most complete vintage car museums in the Southern Hemisphere, the collection includes elegant classic sedans, luxury automobiles, utility vehicles, and historically significant models that reflect the evolution of transportation during the 20th century.
According to founder Gabriel Lira, many of the vehicles remain in excellent working condition and are still capable of traveling long distances. In addition to classic automobiles, visitors can explore the museum’s Sala de Defensa, which features historical military artifacts connected to the Chilean Army.
This unique museum offers a nostalgic journey through Chile’s automotive past and is an excellent destination for families, photographers, collectors, and classic car enthusiasts visiting Santiago.
- Address: 200 Cañaveral Ave., Quilicura, Santiago
- Admission: Paid entry
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Museo de Arte Colonial (Colonial Art Museum)
Located next to the historic San Francisco Church on Alameda Avenue, the Colonial Art Museum is one of Santiago’s most fascinating cultural landmarks. Founded in 1969 with the support of the Franciscan Order, the museum preserves an outstanding collection of Andean colonial art and religious heritage from the Spanish colonial period.
The museum features seven exhibition halls displaying valuable paintings, sculptures, silverwork, liturgical objects, and historic furniture. It is also home to the iconic San Francisco Church, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Santiago, whose origins date back to 1575. The church was declared a National Monument in 1951 and remains one of the city’s most important colonial-era architectural treasures.
Another highlight is the Gabriela Mistral Room, dedicated to Chile’s Nobel Prize-winning poet and diplomat. The exhibit includes personal documents as well as her Nobel Prize medal and diploma awarded by the Swedish Academy.
Despite enduring several major earthquakes throughout Santiago’s history, the complex has remained remarkably well preserved and continues to attract visitors interested in colonial architecture, Chilean history, and religious art.
- Address: 834 Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Ave., Santiago
- Nearest subway station: Universidad de Chile or Santa Lucía (Line 1)
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Closed on holidays
Museo de Artes Decorativas (Decorative Arts Museum)
Address: 683 Recoleta Ave., near Cerro Blanco Station (Metro Line 2). The museum is located within the Centro Patrimonial Recoleta Dominica, a fascinating cultural complex housed in the former Recoleta Dominica Convent.
The Museo de Artes Decorativas preserves an impressive collection of more than 2,500 objects across approximately twenty decorative art categories, including silverware, porcelain, ceramics, glassware, textiles, and ivory pieces. Its exhibits span cultures from the Eastern world to Hispano-America and trace artistic traditions from Ancient Greece to modern times.
Located in one of Santiago’s most atmospheric heritage sites, the museum offers visitors a unique journey through centuries of craftsmanship, elegance, and artistic expression.
Opening Hours:
- 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, Santiago
La Chascona was one of the three homes of Chilean Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, whose real name was Neftalí Reyes Basoalto. Built in the bohemian Bellavista neighborhood, the house reflects Neruda’s passion for art, literature, the sea, and eclectic objects collected during his travels around the world.
Today, the beautifully preserved house-museum displays original furniture, personal belongings, paintings, photographs, and unique decorative collections that offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the poet’s life and creative universe.
Declared a National Monument, La Chascona is located near San Cristóbal Hill in one of Santiago’s liveliest cultural districts, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, bars, and art spaces.
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
Address: 37 Vicuña Mackenna Ave., Providencia, Santiago
Nearest Metro Station: Baquedano
The Museo Violeta Parra honors the life and artistic legacy of Violeta Parra, one of the most influential figures in Chilean folklore and Latin American popular culture. Opened in 2015, the museum preserves and showcases her remarkable contributions to music, visual arts, poetry, and cultural research.
A passionate collector of traditional songs and rural customs, Parra traveled extensively throughout Chile documenting folk traditions and helping preserve the country’s cultural identity. Beyond music, she also stood out as a talented painter, embroiderer, sculptor, and ceramic artist.
The museum features original manuscripts, instruments, recordings, photographs, and visual artworks, offering visitors a fascinating introduction to the creative universe of an artist whose influence continues to inspire generations across Latin America.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays
Museo de la Moda (Fashion Museum of Santiago)
The Museo de la Moda is a private, non-profit institution located in Santiago’s Vitacura district. Housed in a mansion built in 1962 for the Yarur-Bascuñán family, the museum was inaugurated in 2007 by the Fundación Museo de la Moda, created by Jorge Yarur Bascuñán.
Dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of fashion, the museum features garments and accessories acquired through international auctions and private collections. Its remarkable collection spans from the 5th century BC to the present day, making it one of the most important fashion museums in Latin America.
Among its most famous items are pieces linked to internationally renowned figures from film, music, and royalty.
- The red dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1956 for the premiere of A View from the Bridge.
- The leather jacket and glove worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator.
- The wedding dress worn by Elizabeth Taylor during her second marriage to Richard Burton.
- The black dress worn by Princess Diana after announcing her engagement to Prince Charles.
- The military-style jacket worn by John Lennon on the cover of Life magazine in 1966.
- The green velvet jacket worn by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana’s Live and Loud concert in 1993.
- The white dress worn by Amy Winehouse on the cover of her album Back to Black.
In 2021, the museum also acquired Princess Diana’s famous Ford Escort at an international auction. The vehicle still preserves its original paint, license plate, and mileage.
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 explaining their technical and historical significance. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours highlighting the importance of these remarkable railway exhibits.
Visitor Information
- Nearest Metro Station: Quinta Normal (Line 5)
- Phone: +56 2 2681 4627
- Website: Museo Ferroviario
Museo Ralli (Ralli Museum of Santiago)
Address: 4110 Alonso de Sotomayor St., Vitacura, Santiago
The Ralli Museums are part of an international private non-profit organization dedicated to promoting contemporary Latin American and European art. The network includes museums in Uruguay, Israel, Spain, and Chile.
Opened in Santiago in 1992, the Ralli Museum of Santiago is considered one of the Chilean capital’s most remarkable yet underrated museums. Surrounded by elegant gardens and featuring striking architecture, the museum houses an outstanding collection of Latin American art displayed across 18 exhibition rooms.
Visitors can admire works by artists from Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Cuba, and other Latin American countries, alongside pieces by internationally renowned masters such as Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, Auguste Rodin, Alexander Calder, and René Magritte. Sculptures, engravings, and surrealist works make this museum a memorable experience for art lovers.
Opening Hours
- March to December: Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- January: Open only on Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Sundays, public holidays, and the entire month of February
- Admission: Free
Jedimar Vintage Car Museum – A Must-Visit in Santiago, Chile
Address: 1240 San Francisco de Borja St., Estación Central, Santiago
Phone: +56 9 7498 0201
Located in Santiago’s Estación Central district, the Jedimar Vintage Car Museum is a must-visit destination for automobile enthusiasts and anyone interested in automotive history.
The museum houses one of the largest and most complete private collections of classic and antique automobiles in Chile and South America. With more than 150 beautifully preserved vehicles, visitors can admire legendary brands such as Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, Studebaker, Cadillac, and Ferrari.
A favorite among students, tourists, photographers, and car enthusiasts, Jedimar offers a fascinating journey through the golden eras of the automotive industry. Many of the exhibits feature original details and historical information that help visitors understand the evolution of classic automobiles throughout the twentieth century.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 09:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday and Holidays: Closed
Museo Andino: Discover Chile’s Pre-Columbian Heritage
Address: 0695 Camino Padre Hurtado, Buin, approximately 38 km south of Santiago
Phone: +56 2 2362 2524
The Museo Andino (Andean Museum), inaugurated in January 2006, is located within the historic Viña Santa Rita estate in Buin. Operated by the Claro Vial Foundation, the museum offers free admission and houses one of Chile’s most important collections of pre-Columbian archaeological and ethnographic artifacts.
Spanning approximately 1,500 square meters, the museum provides visitors with a fascinating journey through the cultures of ancient Chile and the Andean world. Its exhibits include textiles, ceramics, metalwork, sculptures, jewelry, and ritual objects created by indigenous civilizations from different regions of South America.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and educational activities. Visitors can also enjoy the surrounding vineyards, gardens, café, gift shop, and other attractions located within the Santa Rita cultural complex.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Admission: Free
Planetario USACH (USACH Planetarium)
Address: 3349 Alameda Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Ave., Estación Central, Santiago.
Located on the campus of the University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), the Planetario USACH is one of the country’s leading centers for astronomy education and scientific outreach. Inaugurated in 1985, it has become a favorite attraction for families, students, and visitors interested in space, science, and technology.
Chile is internationally recognized for its exceptional conditions for astronomical observation, especially in the country’s northern regions. You can learn more about this fascinating topic in our post Astrotourism in Northern Chile.
The planetarium features a large dome equipped with modern digital projection systems that recreate the night sky with remarkable realism. Its immersive shows explore topics such as the Solar System, stars, galaxies, black holes, and Chile’s world-renowned astronomical observatories located in the Atacama Desert.
In addition to astronomy presentations, Planetario USACH hosts educational activities, temporary exhibitions, scientific events, and workshops designed for visitors of all ages. Its location near downtown Santiago and close to public transportation makes it an accessible and worthwhile stop for travelers exploring the Chilean capital.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: Hours vary according to scheduled shows and events
- Website: Planetario USACH
Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater of Santiago)
Address: 794 Agustinas St., Santiago, Chile
Declared a National Monument in 1974, the Municipal Theater of Santiago is Chile’s oldest and most prestigious venue dedicated to opera, ballet, classical music, and the performing arts. It is home to the Santiago Philharmonic Orchestra, the Municipal Ballet of Santiago, and the Municipal Chorus.
Inaugurated on September 17, 1857, the theater was designed in an elegant French neoclassical style and quickly became one of the cultural symbols of the Chilean capital. Although a devastating fire destroyed much of the building in 1870, it was carefully reconstructed while preserving its original architectural character.
Throughout its history, the theater has hosted internationally renowned conductors, opera singers, ballet companies, pianists, and orchestras from around the world. Today, it remains one of South America’s most important cultural institutions and a must-visit attraction for lovers of music, architecture, and the arts.
Visitor Information
- Nearest Metro Station: Universidad de Chile (Line 1)
- Guided Tours: Available on selected days
- Website: Municipal Theater of Santiago
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