Chilean Museum of Pre-Colombian Art (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino)
Bandera 361, Santiago, Metropolitan
Hailed as the most important museum in Chile, the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino (the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art) has a collection of artifacts that spans 4,500 years of history. The gallery is housed in the former Royal Customs Palace, a neoclassical space chosen by the museum’s private collector, Sergio LarraÃn GarcÃa-Moreno.
The basics
From beautiful jewelry and ceramics to pre-Colombian statues and mummies, the incredible artifacts in this museum are worth an afternoon of exploring. Book a skip-the-line admission ticket to avoid waiting in line. The museum is a stop on some hop-on hop-off bus tours, which allow itinerary customization and exploration at your own pace. Some walking tours also point out the museum due to its historical significance.
Things to know before you go
- The museum's audio-visual library, which includes a noted indigenous music archive, is open to the public, but only museum members can borrow items.
- The museum has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
- Before you visit, download a free audio guide in mp3 format to enhance your understanding of the artifacts.
How to get there
The museum is located in the heart of downtown Santiago, a block southwest of the Plaza de Armas. Several bus lines depart from nearby, and the L5 metro goes to the nearby Plaza de Armas station.
When to get there
From Tuesday through Sunday, the museum is open from 10am to 6pm. On religious holidays such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, the museum is closed.
Other museums in Santiago
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is one of several world-class museums in Santiago. Other cultural highlights include the Museum of National History, which focuses on Chile’s history and heritage, and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, home to a 3,000-strong collection of paintings.
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