- Address: Compania 269, Santiago, Chile;
- Official website: www.folkartmuseum.org;
- Working hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00. Saturday, Sunday, public holidays - from 11:00 to 20:00 hours.
Erroneous is he who thinks that in Chile they only go to eat seafood and go skiing. Although close to the capital are well-equipped resorts and beaches, where thousands of tourists are eager to go, but in Santiago there are interesting places that must be seen, for example, the Museum of American Folk Art.
History of the museum
The museum exists at the Chilean State University, on the basis of the Faculty of Arts. 1942 was marked by the first exhibition of exhibits of folk art of almost all countries of the continent. It was organized in honor of the 100th anniversary of the State University. Then it was decided to collect in one permanent place the most vivid and valuable exhibits.
Such a grandiose undertaking was crowned with success, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the poet Pablo Neruda and many other famous figures of Latin America. For filling the museum, countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru responded.
The official confirmation of the creation of the museum was announced in 1943 by the Council of Colleges, but the solemn event for the opening took place only in a year - December 20, 1944. Initially, the museum was located in the castle of Hidalgo del Cerro on Mount Santa Lucia .
The first in the book of records left their two signatures - Pablo Neruda and Nicanor Parra, which speaks of the importance of the event for the Chilean culture. However, then followed the hard times for the museum, when part of the exposures were lost or spoiled. He also survived the fire, military intervention at the University of Chile.
Finally, in 1998, rented a new building along Kompania Street, where to this day the museum continues its activities. Despite the large losses, the museum managed to save more than 6000 valuable exhibits. Today it actively functions, receives tourists, and also maintains a connection with modern artisans and artists.
What to see in the museum?
The most famous exhibits are the Mapuche Silver, ceramic works of talagante, ceramics of Quincamali, including a collection of unique fabrics from all over South America. In addition, there are constantly held various exhibitions. Their works are presented to the public by modern masters, long recognized and awarded artists.
Collections of the museum will open the eyes of tourists to the culture of the population of almost the whole of South America. A ticket to buy is not necessary, because the entrance is free.