Discover Chile’s fascinating history at Santiago’s National History Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional). Housed in the magnificent 19th-century Palacio de la Real Audiencia, the intriguing exhibits chart the country’s history, from the pre-colonial period to the 1973-90 military dictatorship. Find over 1,600 artifacts spread across 18 well-presented permanent exhibitions.
Browse the museum’s exhibits, which are set out in chronological order and include objects such as books, furniture, handicrafts, illustrations, paintings, tools and weapons. Start with an introduction to the indigenous people of Chile, who inhabited the country before the colonial era. Among those featured in the displays are the Aymara, Mapuche and Yámana people as well as the Rapa Nui people from Easter Island. Other exhibits trace the arrival of European settlers in South America and Chile’s Spanish colonisation.
Go to the museum’s second floor to find out how life in Chile changed after the declaration of independence from Spanish rule. See how the arrival of the Industrial Revolution triggered political and economic changes. Learn about the 20th-century revolutions, most notably the military coup of 1973, which led to the 17-year rule of notorious dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Take time to appreciate the museum’s historic building, the Palacio de la Real Audiencia. It dates back to the early 1800s and served as a high court, the seat of government and public offices before becoming a museum in 1982. Spot portraits of Ferdinand Magellan, Bernardo O’Higgins and other significant national figures on the building’s walls. Climb to the top of the clock tower for excellent views over Plaza de Armas.
The museum sits on the north side of Plaza de Armas in Santiago’s city centre. Use public buses, the metro or a hop-on hop-off tourist bus to reach the museum. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Correo Central (Central Post Office) and the Catedral de Santiago (Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral), two architectural landmarks that frame Plaza de Armas.
The National History Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Visit on a Sunday to gain free entry. There is an admission fee on all other days.
