Best Museums & Art Galleries in Santiago, Chile

1. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC)

A must-visit for modern and contemporary art lovers. Showcases works by Chilean and international artists.

Unique Collection: Features the largest collection of contemporary Chilean art in the country.
Architectural Design: Housed in a unique, modernist building designed by architect Alonso de Castro.
Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both local and international artists.

Discover the rich pre-Columbian art of Chile and other South American cultures.

Exquisite Collection: Boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Precolombian art in Latin America.
Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits to enhance understanding and appreciation of ancient cultures.
Cultural Events: Offers cultural events, workshops, and lectures related to Precolombian art and culture.

Explore the artistic heritage of ancient cultures in Chile at this captivating museum.

Rare Artifacts: Houses an extensive collection of rare artifacts dating back thousands of years.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates anthropology, archaeology, and art history in its exhibitions.
Archaeological Sites: Collaborates with various archaeological sites across Chile to preserve and exhibit their findings.

Experience the vibrant world of modern art at this impressive museum.

Dynamic Programming: Offers a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks.
Chilean Art Focus: Focuses primarily on contemporary Chilean art, providing valuable insight into the local artistic scene.
Modern Architecture: Located in a stunning modernist building designed by architect Sergio Larraín.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chilean and international art at this esteemed museum.

Broad Collection: Houses an extensive collection spanning various periods, styles, and genres.
Chilean Art Focus: Features a strong focus on Chilean art from the 19th century to the present day.
Architectural Significance: Located in a historic building that was once the National Library, now a national monument.

Explore the fascinating intersection of art and science at this innovative museum.

Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that combine art, science, and technology.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Combines the disciplines of art, science, and technology in its exhibitions and programs.
Educational Programs: Provides educational workshops and activities for both adults and children.

Learn about Chilean history, human rights, and social justice at this poignant museum.

Important History: Dedicated to the memory of victims of human rights abuses during the Pinochet regime.
Interactive Experience: Provides an interactive, immersive experience that allows visitors to learn about this period in history.
Cultural Understanding: Offers a deeper understanding of Chilean culture and its struggle for human rights.

Discover traditional Chilean art at this charming museum.

Traditional Art Focus: Focuses on traditional Chilean art, providing a glimpse into the country's cultural heritage.
Historic Building: Located in a beautifully restored colonial-style building.
Local Artisans: Features works by local artisans, showcasing traditional techniques and crafts.

Delve into the world of folk art at this captivating museum.

Folk Art Focus: Focuses on Chilean and Latin American folk art, providing a unique cultural experience.
Artisanal Workshops: Offers workshops where visitors can learn traditional art techniques.
Community Engagement: Engages local communities in the preservation and promotion of folk art traditions.

Explore religious art from various cultures and time periods at this fascinating museum.

Religious Art Focus: Focuses on religious art from various cultures, including Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and indigenous traditions.
Historic Collection: Boasts a historic collection of religious art, some dating back centuries.
Cultural Diversity: Provides insight into the rich cultural diversity of Chile and its religious traditions.

Learn about the history of the Popular Unity government and the Chilean resistance at this engaging museum.

Historical Significance: Dedicated to preserving the memory of the Popular Unity government, its achievements, and its struggle against dictatorship.
Interactive Experience: Provides an interactive, immersive experience that allows visitors to learn about this period in Chilean history.
Cultural Understanding: Offers a deeper understanding of the political and social context of Chile during the Popular Unity era.

Discover the ancient history of Santiago at this captivating archaeological museum.

Ancient Artifacts: Houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and tools.
Archaeological Research: Involved in ongoing archaeological research and excavations across Santiago.
Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both adults and children, promoting a better understanding of Chile's ancient past.

Experience contemporary applied art at this innovative museum.

Applied Art Focus: Focuses on contemporary applied art, such as graphic design, fashion, and product design.
Dynamic Programming: Offers a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks.
Local Talent Showcase: Showcases the work of local artists and designers, fostering talent in Chile's contemporary art scene.

Explore the intersection of art and design at this engaging museum.

Design Focus: Focuses on contemporary Chilean design, offering insight into the local artistic scene.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with designs and explore their creative potential.
Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange through collaborations with international design institutions.

Experience the magic of images and sound at this unique museum.

Multimedia Exhibits: Offers multimedia exhibits that showcase the power of images and sound.
Historical Collection: Boasts a vast collection of historical photographs, films, and sound recordings.
Cultural Preservation: Works to preserve and promote Chilean cultural heritage through its exhibitions and programs.