
The basics
The permanent collection, displayed in the Palacio's soaring chambers, begins with the Spanish Colonial era and traces Chile's cultural development through the styles of its artistic masters. Temporary exhibitions come from around Chile and the world. The MAC (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo), Santiago's contemporary art museum, is also here. While this institution, operated by the University of Chile, may lack the gravitas of the neighboring Fine Arts Museum, exhibits can be a lot more fun. Guided city tours of Santiago may include a visit to the museum. The hop-on, hop-off buses, known as Turistik, also include a stop at Bellas Artes. Guided tours of the museum can be arranged in advance for groups of at least five people.
Things to know before you go
- The museum shares wheelchair access with the Museum of Contemporary Art; there is an elevator to reach the first and second floors of the museum.
- Bags, backpacks, and umbrellas can be stored in the museum’s coin-operated lockers.
- It takes about 1-2 hours to explore the museum and see all the exhibits.
How to get there
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is located on the northern edge of the historic district, five blocks from the Plaza de Armas, close to the river. This busy neighborhood isn't the easiest to navigate with a car, but there are several metro stops nearby. The #5 green line serves the Bellas Artes stop, right in front of the building.
Idee di viaggio
When to get there
Overall, the best time to visit Santiago is during its shoulder seasons, from late September to November and from March to May, since the weather is still sunny then but the crowds are smaller. You’ll encounter the most tourists during summer in the southern hemisphere, which is from November to April. Cooler temperatures and showers are more common from May to September, but the museum is a good activity on a cold, rainy day.
Metropolitan Cathedral
In addition to the Palacio, architecture lovers will also want to visit Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana), which overlooks the Plaza de Armas. Inside this massive structure, you’ll find a richly adorned altar and ornate decoration, plus a small museum of religious artifacts. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, with masses on Sundays.
- Parco Forestale (Parque Forestal)
- Barrio Lastarria
- Collina di Santa Lucia (Cerro Santa Lucia)
- Casa Rossa (Casa Colorada)
- Chiesa di San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco)
- Museo Nazionale di Storia Naturale (Museo Nacional de Historia Natural)
- Ufficio postale centrale
- Chiesa di Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
- Mercato centrale di Santiago (Mercado Central de Santiago)
- Biblioteca nazionale cilena (Biblioteca Nacional de Chile)
- Cattedrale Metropolitana (Catedral Metropolitana)
- Bellavista
- Collina di San Cristobal (Cerro San Cristobal)
- Museo cileno di arte precolombiana (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino)
- Mercato centrale di La Vega