February Museum of the Month: Museo Histórico Nacional
Updated August 15th, 2019
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When you travel do you enjoy learning about the history of the place you are visiting? Are you wondering what to do in Santiago, Chile? If so you should visit one of the best museum’s in Santiago, the Santiago history museum. February’s museum of the month is el Museo Histórico Nacional, the national history museum in Santiago, Chile.
The museum is located in Plaza de Armas in a 19th century royal palace. Upon entering the museum you walk through a lovely courtyard.
From the courtyard, the two floors of the palace take you through the history of Chile from its earliest days to more recent times. The first floor covers topics such as the first inhabitants of Chile, the church and colonial society.
Among other topics the second floor covers education, transportation, and society in the 20th century. I found the upstairs the most interesting because there were more connections to people and ways of life that influenced Chile today.
There is a mixture of artifacts in the museum, from paintings to furniture. The most memorable for me were the life-sized dioramas. It’s no surprise that I was drawn to learning about the food in the early years of Chile!
There are written wall panels describing each section of the museum. In addition there are shorter descriptions next to the items on display. One of the most important factors to point out is that all the information is in Spanish. Ironically I visited another history museum in Spanish for my February museum of the month last year as well. I would like to say that my Spanish has improved and I was able to get more out of this museum than the one in Arrecife, Lanzarote. Even though I was proud of myself for how much I was able to read and understand, it became exhausting very quickly.
Many people that I overheard talking in Spanish, didn’t seem to be reading that much information. If you are happy to merely look around, there is enough to see without having any additional information. Many of the objects explain themselves and the museum’s organization and layout helps for understanding as well.
As a non-Spanish speaker who likes to learn something when you visit a museum, you might find this visit disappointing or challenging. I spent about an hour in the museum looking at everything and pushing my brain to read some of the information.
After my visit I found out that audioguides are available in Spanish, English and Portuguese! If you don’t speak Spanish and want to understand more about what you are seeing this might be a good option.
At the very least the Museo Histórico Nacional is free. As you walk around on the creaky floors you will at least feel like you are soaking up some history!
Would you enjoy a visit to a museum that is not in your native language?
Visiting Information
Where
Plaza de Armas 951, Santiago, Región Metropolitana
How to Get There
If you are staying in the central tourist area you will most likely be able to walk. If you are coming from further out in the city, take the green 5 line on the metro to the Plaza de Armas stop.
Tickets
Free!
Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: Closed
Toilets
Toilets are located in the far right hand corner of the courtyard upon entering the complex. If you are looking for a toilet around Plaza de Armas this is a free option! Remember to bring your own toilet paper and don’t expect any soap. They are decently cleaned though.
Food
There are no cafes or restaurants within the museum.
FYI
You need to store your bags in a locker upon entering the museum. There is a 100 CLP fee (.15 USD).
Other Things to Do Nearby
Where to Stay
If you are visiting for a short amount of time, staying in the center will be the most convenient for the places you will visit. Hotel Panamericano is less than a 10 minute walk away. It offers great amenities, friendly staff, and a large breakfast selection all at a reasonable nightly cost. Search below for some other great options in the center or read my Where to Stay in Santiago post for other accommodation recommendations around the city.
More About Chile
- Santiago: What to Do in Santiago, Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos review, Where to Stay in Santiago, Barrio República Neighborhood Guide
- Chiloé Island: How to get to the island, how to get around, where to stay, what to do and more.
- Puerto Varas: Rafting & Kayaking
- Pucón: Day tours from Pucón
- Central Chile 3 Week Itinerary including Santiago and the Chilean Lakes District
Check out my Museum of the Month page to see all my museum reviews!
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5 Comments
Candy
I think it would depend on the museum if I would enjoy it without being able to read any of the information. Knowing the story behind the artifacts makes a huge difference in the experience for me, so perhaps I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. On the other hand, if it was a more interactive museum, it might not bother me so much 🙂 Also, so awesome that your Spanish has improved!
admin
Thanks! It does the change experience whether or not you can read the information. I agree that it does depend on the type of museum, though.
Patti
Looks like an interesting museum. I only understand very little Spanish so not sure I would go out of my way to visit.
Lisa
I’m used to reading in 3 languages, so this would be a great place for me to visit. I’d love to visit Chile one day soon, and it’d be so interesting to read about its history especially in the early days when the Spanish arrived. I love that architectural style too!
admin
That’s awesome that you can read in three languages. I’m sure it is helpful for traveling too 🙂