Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda

Description:

• Chile's most exciting arts and cultural center in decades opened with great fanfare in 2006 as an early public works celebration of Chile's bicentennial in 2010. The subterranean Centro is located below the Plaza de la Ciudadania (Citizen's Plaza), and can be accessed by walking down a ramp at either Teatinos or Morandé street. Capacious as an airport hangar and a sensational example of urban-contemporary design, the center displays revolving exhibitions of Latin American modern and historical art and photography. The center also has a permanent exhibition of arguably the highest quality regional artesanía, or arts and crafts, textiles, clothing, and jewelry, from around Chile with detailed maps indicating the artisans' origins. Within this exhibition, there is a store with a small selection for sale. The center also has an art-house cinema, library, educational center, and the sleek Cafe Torres. Check the website for upcoming exhibitions and events, and plan to spend about 30 minutes here.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010