La Chascona is Pablo Neruda’s former home, now a house museum in Santiago’s Bellavista neighborhood, at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal. Its small rooms, linked walkways and unusual layout give the visit the feel of exploring a private home, with Neruda’s furniture, art and travel collections on display. A short introductory film leads into a self-guided audio tour, available in English and Spanish. Look for the house’s ship-like dining room and the objects Neruda gathered over his life; allow extra care on the narrow stairs.
A house built for Matilde Urrutia
Pablo Neruda began building La Chascona in 1953 for Matilde Urrutia, who later became his third wife. The name refers to her unruly, curly hair. La Chascona was one of three homes Neruda owned in Chile, and the only one in Santiago; the others are in Valparaíso and Isla Negra.
The house sits in Bellavista at the base of Cerro San Cristóbal. Its compact rooms and connected walkways make it feel different from a formal museum, while its contents offer a close look at Neruda’s personal tastes and life.
The rooms and collections
Inside, you can see furniture and personal belongings alongside art and objects Neruda collected on his travels. The house’s layout has multiple levels, small rooms and unusual spaces. Its dining room is modeled on a ship’s cabin, and the living room on a lighthouse.
Among the objects associated with the house are paintings, sculptures, ornaments and African artifacts. The rooms also include varied collectibles such as music boxes and paperweights. The house’s distinctive architecture and gathered objects make the visit as much about Neruda’s surroundings as his writing.
How the visit works
A short introductory film precedes a self-guided audio tour, available in English and Spanish. The audio guide takes you through the house and explains its rooms and the objects on display.
Some of the interior stairs are narrow, so the route can be difficult for anyone who has trouble climbing stairs. Photography is not permitted in certain rooms. The museum recommends getting tickets in advance, and the gift shop carries books by Neruda and other mementos.
Häufige Fragen
Where is La Chascona?
The house museum is at Fernando Márquez de La Plata 0192 in Bellavista, Santiago, at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal.
Is there an audio tour?
Yes. A self-guided audio tour is available in English and Spanish, following a short introductory film.
Are there stairs inside La Chascona?
Yes. Some stairs are narrow, so the visit may be difficult for people who have trouble climbing stairs.
Can you take photos inside La Chascona?
Photography is restricted in some rooms.
