Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino: Study Ancient American Artistic Legacy In Santiago's Heart
4.4
124 Ratings
Santiago

This museum leads the way in Latin America for preserving, sharing, and researching the artistic heritage of pre-Columbian American civilizations. It boasts a vast collection of art from ancient cultures, including the Incas and Diaguitas, among others. Situated in the center of Santiago, it is conveniently located just a block from Plaza de Armas.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino - This museum is located in one of Santiago’s most prestigious colonial structures. Constructed in 1805 in a neoclassical style, it originally served as the Royal Customs House for the colonial government.
    Permanent Exhibition: Chile before Chile
    Over 14,000 years ago, humans first arrived in what is now known as…
see more
What's Included
  • Admission to museum
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Chilean nationals, foreign residents in Chile and students can buy discounted tickets directly at the Museum’s entrance by showing an ID
Location
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
Bandera 361, Esquina Compañía
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(124 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Advis0r28
Apr 1, 2026
Excellent Museum and Lunch - We had the best time at this museum, with fascinating displays of art and culture spanning several millennia! Luckily we also decided to eat lunch at the restaurant which was simply fabulous. A special mention to Isabella who really looked after us very well during our lunch and introduced us to “Merken” and “Pisco Sours.” The restaurant here alone is worth visiting - delicious food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pattyportland
Mar 23, 2026
Wonderful collection - We missed the lower floor due to logistics and timing, which I understand provides a context both geographic and in time. That being said, I thought the collection was lovely. It included stone, ceramics, metal work and textiles. It also showed how artisans are continuing the traditions in the current day. Most objects were well-displayed. One or two were backlit in ways that made viewing the surface very difficult. The biggest part of the collection by far is durable objects in hard materials, understandably. However the textile collection is still impressive, both in its fine and lace-y material and its heavy woven wool with rich, saturated colors and elaborate patterns.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peggyjp
Mar 7, 2026
Best couple of hours in Santiago - You've got to go here even if you're only in Santiago one day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage59930327821
Mar 4, 2026
Superb - Beautifully set out museum with exquisite pieces from South America before Columbus. A good cafe also!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carminnes
Feb 16, 2026
Very interesting, worth the walk - Super interesting harvest, not big, but consistent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_l
Jan 17, 2026
Amazing collection of... - Amazing collection of ancient, old and contemporary. Bottom level is quite dark and hard to read signage
Review provided by Viator
Nicholasp512
Dec 29, 2025
Fantastic Museum - Outstanding compact museum featuring artifacts from Central & South America as well as Chile. The star of the show is the Chile before Chile exhibit located down the stairs fron the entrance -- with amazing indigenous works particularly the Incan Knot accounting/data tracker. Not overwhelming at all & reasonable entrance fee (12,000 CLP) this museum is highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S-man283
Dec 8, 2025
The must see museum in Chile - The best museum I saw in Chile by far. If you are interested in Pre-Columbian art and culture, it is an absolute must-see. I'm very glad that this museum exists.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cle727
Dec 4, 2025
A must see museum in Santiago - Rich collection of artifacts that are well preserved. Brief English descriptions are useful. Be sure to scan the QR on the second floor as you begin your viewing, worth 1.5-2 hours of visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stephantoronto
Mar 15, 2026
Very interesting - Very unique museum retracing Chilean and Latin America b fore the Spaniards arrived. A lot of unique old originals prices. I really enjoyed the Mapuche and Rosa Nui artifacts. I am not giving it 5 stars because of the signage’s font was poor and poorly lit. This created an accessibility issue. The English description was not as detailed as the Spanish one.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $17
From $17
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).