The museum is located on one of the most important buildings of the colony. With a pure neoclassical style, it was built by Italian architect Joaquín Toesca.
This is the site where the first mayor of Santiago, Don Juan de Cuevas built his house in 1555. Later, for years, it was occupied by schools and the National Library. In 1805 Toesca takes the house and makes a magnificent building to house the Palace of the Royal Customs.
From 1845 it becomes the seat of the courts of justice until 1968, when a large fire destroyed the facility and all the files that were inside.
After extensive restorations in 1981, the building was entirely dedicated to the museum.
The origin of the museum is based on the personal collection of its founder, Sergio Larraín García-Moreno, Chilean architect who for 50 years was devoted to collecting various Pre-Columbian objects. Meanwhile the municipality of Santiago was responsible for the restoration and refurbishment to house the exhibition.
It is considered one of the best museums in Chile due to its general museum exhibiting concept. His collection consists of over 5,000 pieces on permanent display, grouped in the following cultural areas: Mesoamerica, Middle, Southern Andes, Central Andean, Caribbean and Amazon.
It also houses a library specialized in Pre-Columbian history, art and archeology of the Americas. The books can be borrowed by the public, prior registration as a member.
In 1969, the building as declared a historical monument to protect its architectural character.
Trivia
Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Address
Bandera 361
Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
Admission
Public: $4.500
School and College Students: $ 2.000
Neighbors with Club Barrio Santiago Credentials: $ 2.000
Children under 10 and school students groups: Free
Hours
Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Library
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Services
Access for people with reduced mobility and adapted toilets.
Bicycle parking, coffee store and gift shop.
