Santiago has a diversity of museums, with the best focused around the regional art, culture, and history. Here are some highlights:

Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombiano:
If you only see one museum while you're in the city, this should be it. Just one block off the Plaza de Armas in Santiago Central, the museum chronicles 4,500 years of pre-Columbian history, from Mexico to Patagonia. The textiles and ceramics of indigenous peoples of the Americas are stunning, and the well-organized exhibits are labeled in Spanish and English.

Museo Historico Nacional:
This Museum of National History is located in is the Palacio de la Real Audiencia in Santiago Central's Plaza de Armas. Chile's Congress was held here beginning in the early 1800's, and the building later served as a telegraph office until the museum was established there in 1911. The museum boasts over 3,000 native textiles, stamps, coins, and traditional handicrafts, with an interesting exhibit on 20th century politics.

Museo Colonial de San Francisco:
This museum, inside Santiago's oldest and most historic church has the best collection of 17th century colonial paintings in South America. The paintings and carvings housed inside represent religious iconography, with a set of 54 canvases devoted to the life of St. Francis de Assisi himself.

Museo de Artes Visuales:
This museum's open layout creates a nice flow as you stroll through alluring painting and sculpture galleries. The museum has one of the most exquisite collections of contemporary art in the nation. Located within the Museo de Artes Visuales is Museo Archaeologico de Santiago. Devoted to Chile's indigenous peoples, the museum's 3,000 artifacts are a colorful tribute to Chile's Mapuche, Fuenguino, Ayamara, Huilliche cultures.

Museo Interactivo Mirador:
This funky museum is home to interactive exhibits like climb-aboard mechanical toys, wind-tunnels, art workshops, and an exhibit that recreates many of Albert Einstein's experiments. The museum's sculpture gardens and dramatic architecture are as eye-catching as the exhibits themselves.

Museo de Santiago Casa Colorada:
Built in the style of 18th century Colonialism, the Casa Colorada was originally built to house the Governor before independence and later was home to Mateo de Toro, the first president of Chile. The building has been converted into a museum that takes you through the history of Chile.
Hours: Tue-Fri. 10am-5pm; Sun and holidays 11am-2pm.

Museo de San Francisco:
This is one of the most important historical sites in Santiago since it is one of the few remaining examples of 16th century architecture. The building was originally built as a church and convent in 1572 and in 1951 was declared by the government of Chile as a national monument. Today it houses a collection of historic and religious paintings and sculptures crafted out of silver and gold.
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-1pm; 3pm-6pm; Sun 10am-2pm

Museo de Solidaridad Salvador Allende:
This museum is worth checking out since it houses one of the most important collections of modern art in South America. Works range from the 1950's to the 80's and include paintings by Matta, Miro, Oldenburg, and Vassarely. The museum was created in 1971 by a group of intellectuals in honor of President Salvador Allende. When Allende was thrown from power by a military dictatorship the collection was hidden in the basement of the Museum of Modern Art.
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6:30 pm

Estacion Mapocho:
This turn of the 20th century railway station is a massive structure that is now used to house a variety of events such as live concerts and festivals. The nearby station houses have been converted to showcase local and regional art. There is also a café, bookstore, and gift shop.

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