This is well worth a visit. Really well laid out, displays have great descriptions, and the “flow” of the displays works very well. Some really exceptional items here, for example their is a textile displayed that is almost 2,500 years old. Have plenty of time to explore as there is so much to see.

Too expensive for its value! 10,000 CLP for foreign tourists. Pretty small museum. Many signs lack English translation altogether (all small objects and some large objects), and those larger objects that have English translation miss a lot of information compared to Spanish original text (English text 1:4 to at best 1:2 of text content vs Spanish texts). Some translations are a bit off where they took the exact corresponding word from Spanish. In the -1 level, the English text is in a darker font which is very hard to read at several spots because of the low brightness in the room. Expect no info on Gran Colombia as this covers only Pre-Colombia per the museum’s name: do expect Inca and pre-Inca, Maya, Aztecs, and other prehistoric peoples. Not many objects from each culture. Museum split in two floors. Not very much info on everyday life or specific cultures/mythology since they cover so many indigenous peoples. I had too high expectations and was not content.

This the best attraction in Santiago by a long way. Even if your not that interested in pre-columbian art, you will find this museum fascinating. Don’t miss the small room showing fabrics and textiles. Really enjoyed visiting.

When we arrived there, we were immediately put off by the fact that we as foreigners were expected to pay 10 times more than the Chileans. We thought about leaving. We had seen a lot of Pre-Columbian Art elsewhere in the world already. The atmosphere in the entrance area of the museum was dull and absolutely not welcoming. We did not expect much. But since we had nothing better to do, we finally paid the ridiculous entrance fee and went for the visit. We are glad we did. The museum has exceptionally beautiful objects, very well arranged and lit. At least, the visitor can enjoy art. Of course, not even in this flagship of Chilean museums, the staff speak English. For us, there is no justification in charging foreigners higher entrance fees than locals - when not the slightest service is provided for foreigners: no websites in English, no explanatory films in English, no flyers in English, no explanation of exhibits in English, no English speaking staff. Nowadays in the age of Google Translate, every Chilean who masters to read and write could contribute in providing information in English. (We are Germans - English for us is a foreign language as well ...)

A must visit museum in Santiago - only a couple of minutes from the nearest metro. Lots of pre-Colombian works from across south America, but the highlight for us was the basement with some fantastic larger than life figures and great pottery. There is also some incredibly preserved weaving on the 2nd floor. The museum would get 5*, but the descriptions in the basement are too small to read and too far away to read with reading glasses and the lighting on the signs was really dim, making soe of it impossible to read. A lot of the signs were in English, but due to the colour they were even harder to read than the Spanish

The collection of artifacts is extensive and organized byway of a sensible timeline. The curators did a worthy job of providing meaningful interpretations of the works. English and Spanish. Do not miss the dimly lite but stunning textile exhibit in a side room. In the subterranean level you will find the Chile before Chile exhibit. Extensive band worth the time. It can be accessed by elevator.

Beautiful and well curated museum of pre-Columbian art. There are three floors divided into materials like ceramics and fabrics. The pieces they have chosen to feature are really incredible. Most of the information is available in Spanish and English so English speakers (like me) will also benefit from the contextual information provided in the form of beautiful maps and visual installations. The basement level is specifically Chilean, featuring artefacts of the indigenous Mapuche people and a stunning quipu. Entry to the exhibitions are included in the museum entry price, which is nice (and a change from places like London). The museum was not very crowded, and the facilities were good. The gift shop doesn’t give postcards so take a lot of photos!

Great museum with a remarkable collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from all of Latin America. The displayed collection is not huge but jaw dropping. Their textile room is mind blowing. A must see in Santiago!

Even though this is not one of the free museums of the city and costs about 10 dollars for tourists, it is well worth the cost. Has an excellent display of artifacts including two or three mummified infants. Sadly, no explanations in English but you will find this in many South American city museums. Just looking at the pottery, tools and jewelry is worth a visit. This museum is around the corner from the Cathedral of the city.

This was an amazing museum and we are so glad we visited. The visit was made even more memorable by the exceptional kindness of the staff at the ticket desk. We arrived in the museum having just been accosted, right outside the museum, and the staff made sure we were safe and still had all our possessions, which we did. A big shout out to the member of staff who made sure we got a taxi back to our hotel as well.