La Chascona
Fernando Maquez de la Plata 0192, Santiago de Chile, Metropolitan
The Chilean poet and politician Pablo Neruda helped design this quirky, nautical-themed home for himself and his third wife, Matilde Urrutia, for whom La Chascona—which translates from Spanish as tangle-haired woman—is named. Home to an eclectic collection of Neruda’s possessions, the house offers insight into one of the most important figures in Chile’s recent history.
The Basics
Inside La Chascona, music boxes, exotic artifacts, original chinaware, toys, antiques, and a library with thousands of books are displayed alongside a replica of his Nobel Prize—presented in 1971 for literature—and a portrait of Urrutia by the famous artist Diego Rivera. The house features on several Santiago sightseeing tours, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and can also be visited as part of a tour dedicated entirely to the life and works of Neruda.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Chascona offers an intimate glimpse into a figure instrumental to Chile’s modern history.
- Book your admission ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line on the day; students receive discounted access to the museum.
- An audio guide—available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish—puts the collections and chambers into context, and is included with an admission ticket.
How to Get There
From Santiago’s central station, the easiest way to reach La Chascona is via the red metro line 1, on which the closest station is Baquedano. From here, the house is a 15-minute walk via Parque Forestal and Parque Metropolitano.
When to Get There
La Chascona is open from Tuesday through Sunday between 10am and 6pm—in the summer months of January and February, the museum stays open for an extra hour until 7pm.
Neruda’s Heritage
La Chascona is one of three of Pablo Neruda’s homes that have been turned into museums. Located on the coast, Isla Negra was Neruda’ primary residence and reflects his love of the ocean; rooms are filled with Neruda’s eclectic collections of knicknacks including glassware, ship figureheads, shells and other nautical-related collections. As well as showcasing hand-written poems, the hilltop La Sebastiana in Valparaiso offers panoramic views of the colorful port city.
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