The Best Art Galleries And Museums In Santiago

Whether you’re interested in contemporary or pre-Colombian art, Santiago’s art galleries will leave you content and inspired by the diverse talent on show. Let’s take a look at the top places to take in art in Chile‘s capital.

Museums

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Museum, Building, University

The National Museum of Fine Arts is a central place for art history in Santiago. Named a Historic Monument in 1976, the museum boasts a collection of more than 3,000 pieces, the largest display of Chilean sculpture in the country, and the second-largest display of national paintings. With pieces dating back to the colonial period and international collections, this museum has something for everyone.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Art Gallery, Museum

Connected with the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Chile, the Museum of Contemporary Art has deep roots in Santiago. With a collection of nearly 3,000 pieces, consisting of engraving, painting, drawings, watercolors, and sculptures, the museum aims to cultivate a sense of diversity in art that reflects contemporary culture.

Museo de Artes Visuales (Museum of Visual Art)

Museum, Art Gallery

Founded in the ’80s and located in the Barrio Lastarria, this museum has exhibits of all sorts, from paintings to photography. The commonality is their depth. The mission of MAVI is to raise awareness of national, cultural, and artistic diversity, while conserving the heritage of Chilean contemporary art.

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino

Museum

Museum of Pre-Columbian Art Tours

The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art opened in December 1981, and was made possible from a generous donation of indigenous art from Chilean architect Sergio Larraín García-Moerno (1905–1999). An international scholar who was inspired by Chile’s diverse terrain and cultural diversity, Sergio Larraín believed that the artistic remnants of this population were a treasure, and a message of humanity waiting to be decoded.

Multimedia

Galeria Animal

Art Gallery

Located in the upscale Vitacurra commune, this gallery aims to familiarize the public with contemporary art. Galeria Animal boasts an eclectic collection, from experiential art to historic artists such as Picasso.

Centro Arte Alameda

Cinema

The main multimedia hub of the city, located in Plaza Italia, Centro Arte Alameda hosts video showings, concerts, photography exhibitions, and more. For a diverse sense of art appealing to a variety of audiences, head over to Centro Are Alameda.

Galeria Isabel Aninat

Art Gallery

Santiago’s oldest art gallery, Isabel Aninat Galeria De Arte houses Chilean and international contemporary art. The founder, Isabel Aninat, studied philosophy and aesthetics, so it is no wonder this gallery is so aesthetically pleasing. With three exhibition spaces, including one outdoors, Isabel Aninat Galeria De Arte offers flexibility and freedom for both artists and visors. With its simple white exterior, it is also a great place to stop for a quick photoshoot before heading inside.