Things to do in Chile, Chile: The Best Specialty Museums

1rst Aeromodelism Museum in Chile and the only one. A lot of models.

Tour the eclectic architecture of this home which served as the romantic hideaway for famed poet Pablo Neruda and his wife Matilde, as portrayed in the 1995 film "Il Postino."

This four-story home, offering 360 degree views of the city, is highlighted by "the jar of smoke," a round, post-modern fireplace designed by Neruda himself.

This charming home of the famous Chilean poet overlooks the Pacific and contains unusual collections, the tuxedo he wore when accepting the 1971 Nobel Prize and the simple burial plot of Neruda and his wife.

Originally the home of the wealthy Délano family in the early 20th century, this impressive building was acquired by the local Municipal Authorities in 1985, and converted into a museum. Focus in two principal collections is a natural history department dedicated to Chile's native fauna and flora; and an archaeological department offering a permanent display related to the indigenous peoples of Northern Chile, the Aconcagua region and the Mapuche in the south of the country. The museum also houses one of the most important collections in the world related to Easter Island, including the only genuine Moai statue in the whole of continental Chile, outside in the museum garden. Guided tours are available in both Spanish and English.

Museo Interactivo Mirador is a huge interactive science museum with more than 350 exhibits and other type of educational activities for children and young adults. It also has a playground outside..

The Museum of Memory and Human Rights seeks to draw attention to human rights violations committed by the Chilean state between 1973 and 1990. Its mission is to allow dignity for victims and their families, stimulate reflection and debate and to promote respect and tolerance in order that these events never happen again. It is a Bicentennial project, inaugurated on January 2010, by then President Bachelet. Its purpose is to promote educational initiatives that enhance knowledge and consideration. Its location, on Matucana Street, is also part of an ongoing effort to promote the cultural circuit of Santiago's West Side. Through objects, documents and archives presented in different settings and formats, as well as a innovative sight and sound presentation, it is possible to learn part of this history: the military coup, the repression that took place in the following years, the resistance movement, exile, international solidarity, reparation policies.