Located in Santiago's Parque Forestal, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) offers you a rich journey through one of South America's major art centers. Officially established in 1880 as South America's oldest art museum, it moved to its impressive home—the Palacio de Bellas Artes—in 1910 to commemorate Chile's centennial of independence. Designed by Chilean architect Emile Jéquier, the historic building blends Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical Second Empire, and Baroque Revival styles with Art Nouveau details.
As you step inside, you will admire an architectural layout modeled after Paris's Petit Palais, featuring a central grand hall with a staircase to the second floor. Look up to behold a magnificent glass cupola manufactured in Belgium that crowns the space. You can also admire fine artistic elements, including relief carvings of two angels holding a shield above balcony caryatids sculpted by Antonio Coll y Pi.
Located in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, this institution is an essential stop to appreciate fine South American artwork and magnificent century-old Chilean architecture.
What to see at Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts
- Established in 1880, making it the oldest art museum in South America
- Housed in the 1910 Palacio de Bellas Artes designed by Emile Jéquier
- Features a central grand hall crowned by a 2,400 kg Belgian glass cupola
- Architectural layout and facade modeled after the Petit Palais in Paris
- High-relief carvings of angels and balcony caryatids by Antonio Coll y Pi
Visiting tips
Combine your visit with a stop at the Museum of Contemporary Art located directly behind the building in Parque Forestal.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts is easy to reach on Santiago’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Santiago travel guide.
See the full Santiago travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.