A modern museum opened in 2010 to preserve the testimonies and documents of the 1973-1990 dictatorship. It is the country's principal site for understanding the coup and the human rights record that followed.
The Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos is located at Matucana 501, in the Barrio Yungay area of Santiago, near the Quinta Normal park. The museum was inaugurated in January 2010 under President Michelle Bachelet, and it was built to preserve the memory of the victims of political repression between 1973 and 1990. The modern building, designed by a Brazilian-Chilean team, is clad in a copper-coloured glass facade and has a large plaza that fronts the street, with a design intended to recall a space of openness and reflection.
The permanent exhibition begins with the coup of 11 September 1973, shown through film footage, press archives and radio recordings, and proceeds through the years of the dictatorship. Displays cover arrests, torture, forced disappearances and exile, and they are supported by testimonies, letters, personal objects, official documents and photographs of the victims. The museum also covers the national and international reaction, the work of human rights organisations such as the Vicaria de la Solidaridad, the 1988 plebiscite, and the return to democracy in 1990. The final sections address the work of truth commissions and ongoing memory efforts.
The building also houses an extensive archive of documents and audiovisual material, a library, and space for temporary exhibitions and educational programmes. It is run by a foundation under the state's supervision, and the collections include materials recognised internationally as a documentary heritage.
The museum is free to enter and presents difficult material, and visitors often need two to three hours for a full visit. Audio guides are available in Spanish and English. The area is accessible via Metro Line 5 at Quinta Normal, and the museum is close to other cultural venues such as the Biblioteca de Santiago and the Centro Cultural Matucana 100.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10:00AM-6:00PM |
| Address | Matucana 501, Santiago, Chile |
Why it matters
Opened in January 2010, the museum documents human rights violations committed under the military regime of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990. It is Chile's principal site of memory for the coup, political repression and the struggle for democracy.
Location
Matucana 501, Santiago, Chile
-33.4411, -70.6794 View on map
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on the 1973 coup and the dictatorship years
- Testimonies, letters and personal objects of victims
- Archive and library on human rights
- Audio guides in Spanish and English
- Free admission
Tips for visiting
- Allow two to three hours; the material is extensive and emotionally heavy.
- Use the audio guide for English-language explanations.
- Metro Line 5 to Quinta Normal is the easiest approach.
- The museum is closed on Mondays; check holiday hours.
- Combine with Quinta Normal park and Matucana 100 nearby.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Avoid weekends and school-group times if seeking a reflective visit.
Accessibility
The museum is modern and has ramps and lifts, with step-free access to the main exhibition floors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A full visit takes about two to three hours.
Is the museum English-friendly?
Yes, audio guides and some panels are available in English.
Is it suitable for children?
The content includes accounts of torture and disappearance, so it is generally recommended for older teenagers and adults.