6 Must-see museums to visit in downtown Santiago

Downtown Santiago is home to some of Chile's most important museums, combining art, history, and culture in accessible spaces that are close to each other. Below, we present a practical guide to help you organize your tour with all the information you need: location, opening hours, and tips.

San Francisco Colonial Museum

Located right next to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco, this museum houses a valuable collection of colonial and religious art, as well as a beautiful cloister and interior gardens that convey peace in the middle of the city.

• Location: Alameda Bernardo O'Higgins 834, Santiago Centro.
• Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
• Admission: General admission approx. CLP 1,000 / Students CLP 500.
• Tip: Complement your visit with a trip to the Iglesia San Francisco, the oldest colonial church in the city.
• Website: https://museosanfrancisco.com/

Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art

Considered one of the most outstanding museums in Latin America, this museum preserves unique pieces that showcase the diversity of indigenous cultures from Mexico to Chile.

• Location: Bandera 361, Santiago Centro.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: General admission approx. CLP 5,000 / Students and seniors CLP 2,500.
• Tip: Don't miss the Andean textile art room, one of the most comprehensive on the continent.
• Website: https://museo.precolombino.cl/

National Museum of Fine Arts

Located in Forest Park, it is one of the most emblematic museums in the country, with permanent collections by Chilean artists and international exhibitions.

• Location: José Miguel de la Barra 650, Santiago Centro.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free.
• Tip: Take advantage of the opportunity to visit Parque Forestal after your visit, a classic Santiago attraction.
• Website: https://www.mnba.gob.cl/

Museum of Memory and Human Rights

This memorial space invites visitors to reflect on Chile's recent history through testimonies, documents, and audiovisual material.

• Location: Matucana 501, Santiago Centro.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free.
• Tip: Also visit the nearby Matucana 100 Cultural Center, which offers exhibitions and live shows.
• Website: https://mmdh.cl/

National History Museum

Located in the heart of the Plaza de Armas, it brings together pieces that tell the history of Chile from pre-Columbian times to the 20th century.

• Location: Plaza de Armas 951, Santiago Centro.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: Free.
• Tip: Climb up to the Mirador de la Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral Viewpoint), just a few steps from the museum, to enjoy a panoramic view of the historic center.
• Website: https://www.mhn.gob.cl/

Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)

Located in Forest Park, this museum displays works by Chilean and foreign artists with a focus on modern and contemporary art.

• Location: José Miguel de la Barra 650, Santiago Centro (next to the Museum of Fine Arts).
• Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
• Admission: General admission approx. CLP 1,000 / Students CLP 500.
• Tip: Combine your visit with the Museum of Fine Arts, as the two are connected.
• Website: https://mac.uchile.cl/

Final tip

All these museums are located in downtown Santiago and are easily accessible on foot or by public transportation. As in any big city, we recommend that you keep an eye on your belongings during your tours.

At the end of the day, there's nothing better than returning to the Hotel Plaza San Francisco and enjoying dinner at the Restaurant Bristol or relaxing with a massage at our Fitness Club.

Marketing Team

Hotel Plaza San Francisco – June 2025