Museum of Memory & Human Rights

Local history museum · Estación Central

Museum of Memory & Human Rights

Local history museum · Estación Central

2

Av. Matucana 501, 8500000 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Photos

Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by Photo courtesy of Archivo Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by Photo courtesy of Archivo Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null
Museum of Memory & Human Rights by null

Highlights

Nestled in Santiago, the striking Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos offers an emotional journey through Chile's dark history from 1973 to 1990, featuring powerful exhibits and survivor stories that command remembrance and reflection.  

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Av. Matucana 501, 8500000 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile Get directions

museodelamemoria.cl
@museodelamemoria

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Av. Matucana 501, 8500000 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile Get directions

+56 2 2597 9600
museodelamemoria.cl
@museodelamemoria
𝕏
@MuseoMemoriaCL

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Last updated

Jul 28, 2025

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@afar

"Museo de la Memoria There’s something within these walls—perhaps simply the silence—that helps visitors imagine the real-world horrors that once took place in Chile . A visit to Santiago ’s Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos is a trip through the darkest hours of Chilean history, those surrounding the military dictatorship that ran from 1973 to 1990 which left behind thousands of victims and unsolved “disappearances.” The museum is a modern, almost 54,000-square-foot (5000-square-meter) facility that recounts the sickening history, soberly, in the form of survivor testimonies as well as in displays of victims’ correspondence and personal items. There are also radio reports, press clippings, drawings and literature, alongside other artifacts of a past from which often only fragments remain. A prominent mural shows the faces of those no longer with us. On the third-floor, screening booths play related documentaries. The museum is a must for anyone looking to understand today’s Chile . By Travesías"

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El Centro: Santiago's Historic Heart
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@afar

"Museo de la Memoria There’s something within these walls—perhaps simply the silence—that helps visitors imagine the real-world horrors that once took place in Chile . A visit to Santiago ’s Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos is a trip through the darkest hours of Chilean history, those surrounding the military dictatorship that ran from 1973 to 1990 which left behind thousands of victims and unsolved “disappearances.” The museum is a modern, almost 54,000-square-foot (5000-square-meter) facility that recounts the sickening history, soberly, in the form of survivor testimonies as well as in displays of victims’ correspondence and personal items. There are also radio reports, press clippings, drawings and literature, alongside other artifacts of a past from which often only fragments remain. A prominent mural shows the faces of those no longer with us. On the third-floor, screening booths play related documentaries. The museum is a must for anyone looking to understand today’s Chile . By Travesías"

A Perfect Day in Santiago
View Postcard for Museum of Memory and Human Rights

Tiziano Patrick Dodgson

Google
It’s an interesting overview of the Pinochet dictatorship period in Chile, a must see to understand more about the history of this country. The visit is also free and there’s a cute coffee shop at the entrance.

Jules

Google
Moving, powerful and important. Unapologetic in its refusal to forget the cruelties that happened under Pinochet. The museum is thorough and meticulous, with every shred of evidence documented and as much information on every victim as possible. As others have said, some of the information is in Spanish (and only in Spanish) - but that also reflects the incredible volume of information there. There is an additional library and archive on the bottom floor, which was closed when we visited. The museum is free to enter, making it accessible for all, which again feels an important statement. However, you can leave a donation or pay 5,000 for an audio guide (they have them in English, which can help bridge the gap for non-Spanish speakers). Highly recommend. Very easy to reach by metro.

Roger Van Gramberg

Google
Great museum with the entrance from the metro station. What we see today in the world is history repeating itself. With dictators that run some of the countries. Would appreciate it if they had more labels in English. It's free to enter, donations for the commentary in English.

Júlia Veloso

Google
This is one of the most powerful museums I’ve ever been to. It’s incredibly well-curated and gives a deep look into Chile’s dictatorship history. Heavy but important. A must if you’re visiting Santiago.

Marcus Ganley

Google
A wonderful experience. Very educational. There is a free app and audio guide in English BUT I had limited connectivity in the museum so recommend searching for the MMDH app in your App Store and listening when you have Wi-Fi

Valek

Google
This museum is a deeply moving place that shows Chile’s history during the Pinochet dictatorship. It tells the stories of the victims of human rights violations during that time, promoting awareness. Getting there is super easy via Quinta Normal metro station. During my 2 hours visit, I noticed a lot of students in the museum, which give me a sense of hope that younger generations are engaging with this important history. It’s totally free to visit. Emotionally, it’s not an easy visit, but definitely it’s a must-see. If you need to choose only one museum to visit in Santiago, this is it. Well done, Chile!

Jennifer Smith

Google
A very interesting and moving museum but… whilst many of the artefacts have English translations, many don’t and the general placards providing an overview don’t either. There is a QR code to scan for many but would have to use mobile data, so cumbersome. Thankfully the museum is free.

Cale O'Day

Google
A beautiful showcase of history. It is difficult to go here without seeing how connected we all are. Most exhibits were in Spanish so I would recommend either a guide or an audiobook guide for non Spanish speakers.
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David L.

Yelp
This was the best (and most unique) museum I visited during my trip to Santiago. Be forewarned that it is a very heavy museum and many Chileans that I observed while visiting were noticeably upset and moved by the subject material. It reminded me of the holocaust museum in Washington DC. I feel fortunate that I was able to visit and I had nothing else on my agenda for the afternoon. A Spanish speaker can easily spend a full day exploring all of the exhibits here and watching all of the content that is available. The do have an audio guide that is available in English and other languages. I also found myself using Google Translate to help with many of the signs and exhibits. Do not miss this stop while you are in Santiago. It is easily accessible from the metro and completely free to enter. Highly recommended!
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Marilu F.

Yelp
One of the rare museums that's actually free. We went as I was very curious to learn about a dark time in Chile's history: Pinochet's regime. Spent probably a couple of hours there. They offer free Wi-Fi and a downloadable app that essentially gives you an audio tour. When we went, one of the three floors was closed, as was part of an exhibit on the first floor. Nevertheless, with the amount of information found at the museum, it may be for the best. The subject matter is rough. There are signs everywhere warning adults to accompany children, and considering that there are objects from children back in the day, unaware of when they would, if ever, see their parents again I can understand why. A somber and humbling experience, be prepared to think and maybe even walk away sooner than you think. This isn't for the faint of heart. Pinochet's regime was no joke, and to this day, Chile is still trying to rise above it.
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Yayo T.

Yelp
Not a political commentary, simply a reflection. This was a sad moment of my visit to Chile. Going thru the museum puts a lot of the political turmoil front and center for an outsider looking in. Did the US play a part in the era, or could more have been done for victims of abuse during the era of the Pinoche administration /regime/dictatorship/presidency? I knew very little of that era, but this museum gives a great amount of detail. Please do visit. Allow a good 2-3 hours to read and hear the stories.
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Hua W.

Yelp
The museum, a toppled tower of sea-green glass resting on two stone pillars, memorializes General Pinochet's 1973 coup and the resulting two decades of human rights violations and Chile's isolation from the world. You can watch footage of the attack and read accounts of the secret prisons, and get a deeper understanding of the dark underbelly of Chile's history.
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Danielle F.

Yelp
This is an excellent museum covering a dark part of the history of Chile. As a citizen of the United States, I knew a little but not a ton about Pinochet's rule. This museum provides a thorough and impressive account of this chapter in Chile's modern history. The subject matter is uncomfortable to digest at times, but I would say that this is an imperative visit when you are in Santiago. Accessing the museum is quite easy, as the Quinta Normal train stop is across the street. We were staying closer to the Museo Bellas Artes and the train ride took about 10 minutes. When you get to street level, you'll see a very modern looking piece of architecture across the street. That is where you are headed. I'd suggest opting for the audio guide, we were able to get one in English (I assume other non-Spanish languages are available as well). The museum is spread across three floors. I'd plan on giving yourself close to two hours to complete (particularly if you get the audio guide). In addition to the content provided by the audio guide, there are short films (mostly Spanish language news) that are dotted throughout the museum. It chronicles the events unfolding as they occur and are quite riveting. While the subject matter may feel uncomfortable, this is an exceptionally well-done museum. If you are visiting Santiago, this is a place you must visit.
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Sasha B.

Yelp
If you would like to learn more about the dictatorship and what it was like to live during the years of the Pinochet's rule this is a must see. It is free to the public and located conveniently right next to the metro Quinta Normal. This museum is relatively new, as it was opened to the public in 2010. President Michelle Bachelet was the person to spearhead this initiative (she herself was tortured during the dictatorship). The museum functions with a single goal: to keep the memory alive of the atrocities and human rights violations that occurred between 1973 and 1990. They want to make sure the victims are not forgotten and their stories are told, so history does not repeat itself. This 3 story building is separated into different exhibits, which use many mediums, to give the visitor a real understanding of the brutality that occurred during the dictatorship. You can see what it was like to live in a torture camp, see the beds, the items they were tortured with and as you walk down the hallways, you can see the photos, videos and propaganda of the time. Although there are audio guides in several languages for the permanent exhibits, it is important to keep in mind that some of the information, like the videos, are in Spanish (the videos were by far the most impactful for me.) That is why I recommend taking advantage of their free guided tours. Their normal tours are in Spanish (Sundays and Saturdays at 12pm 3pm and 4pm) but if you contact them in advance, you can schedule a free guided tour in English if you are part of a group. Note: The architecture is beautiful, with their open floor plan and large windows, you can see out onto the city while learning about Chile's history. They have a large plaza outside as well, where the museum holds events and free concerts to promote Chilean artists.
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Juan S.

Yelp
Excellent museum. Architecturally stunning building and very impressive presentation and displays makes you not forget part of the horror of Chile's history. A must see.
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Greg B.

Yelp
Moving. Never have I been to Civil Rights or History Museum so artfully done. In contrast to other museums that tackle heavy topics and/or history, Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos told narratives using creative collages of the missing, handwritten letters of prisoners crafted into meaningful origami-like shapes and patterns, and more. The exhibits were engaging and refreshing, as opposed to merely dense, educational, and austere. The architecture of building itself is worth the trip!
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Alex D.

Yelp
Dedicated to commemorate the victims of human rights violations during the civic-military regime led by Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990. Located in Matucana Ave 501 (Quinta Normal Subway, Green Line); Opening from Tuesday trough Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM.
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Stacey G.

Yelp
What an incredible and moving museum. This is not for the faint of heart. It is touching and will certainly bring both a smile and tear to your eye. We brought our kids 9 and 11. Some material was just too much for them but some was good.