Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
Región Metropolitana de Santiago
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, located in the historic Palacio de la Real Aduana in central Santiago, is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of pre-Columbian art and artifacts from Central and South America. Founded in 1981 by architect and collector Sergio Larraín García-Moreno, the museum showcases a diverse collection of over 3,000 pieces representing nearly 100 indigenous cultures. Its exhibits span approximately 10,000 years of history, including significant items from Mesoamerica, the Intermediate area, the Central Andes, and the Southern Andes. Highlights include a Mayan bas-relief, ancient textiles from the Chavín culture, and artifacts from the Mapuche and Incan civilizations. The museum underwent a major expansion in 2014, designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić, which increased exhibition space and improved conservation facilities. It also offers educational programs, audioguides, and interactive materials to deepen visitors' understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Americas.
Planifiez votre voyage en Chili avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit the museum on weekdays to avoid crowds and take advantage of downloadable audioguides available through Bloomberg Connects for a richer experience. Consider joining the Amigos del Museo community for exclusive activities. Tickets can be purchased in advance online to ensure entry, and discounts are available for students and seniors. The museum is easily accessible via the Plaza de Armas metro station in Santiago's historic center.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum's collection includes over 3,000 pieces representing nearly 100 indigenous groups from across the Americas.
- •It houses the oldest known textile in the collection, a painted cloth nearly 3,000 years old from the Chavín culture.
- •The building, Palacio de la Real Aduana, dates back to the early 19th century (1805-1807).
- •The museum features artifacts not only from Chile but also from Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, Amazonia, and the Andes.
- •Since 1985, the museum publishes a scientific bulletin indexed in international databases such as Web of Science and SciELO.
Histoire
The museum was established in December 1981 by Sergio Larraín García-Moreno, who spent over fifty years collecting pre-Columbian artifacts based on their aesthetic value.
The collection was institutionalized through a partnership between the Fundación Familia Larraín Echeñique and the Municipality of Santiago.
The museum is housed in the Palacio de la Real Aduana, constructed between 1805 and 1807 near Santiago's Plaza de Armas.
In 2014, a significant expansion increased the museum's exhibition and conservation areas, enabling it to better preserve and showcase its extensive collection.
Guide du lieu
Palacio de la Real Aduana1805-1807
An early 19th-century neoclassical building that houses the museum, located near Santiago's Plaza de Armas. It provides a historic architectural setting enhancing the experience of the pre-Columbian collections.
Mesoamerican Gallery300-900 AD for some pieces
Features important artifacts such as a statue of Xipe Totec, an incense burner from Teotihuacan, and a Mayan bas-relief dating from 300-900 AD, showcasing the rich artistic traditions of Mesoamerican cultures.
Intermediate Area Gallery
Displays pottery from the Valdivia culture, Capuli figures chewing coca leaf, and gold objects from Veraguas and Diquis cultures, illustrating the diversity of pre-Columbian societies in the intermediate zone between Mesoamerica and the Andes.
Central Andes Gallery~1000 BCE
Houses masks, copper figures, and textiles including the museum's oldest textile, a painted cloth from the Chavín culture nearly 3,000 years old, reflecting the complex societies of the Andean region.
Southern Andes Gallery
Features modern Chilean and Argentinian pieces, ceramic urns from the Aguada culture, snuff trays from the San Pedro culture, and an Incan quipu, highlighting the cultural continuity in the southern Andes.
Contact
Téléphone: (2) 2928 1500