Quinta Vergara is a public park in Viña del Mar, on the grounds that once belonged to the family of the city's founder, José Francisco Vergara. Paths wind through gardens planted with trees from several continents, including towering araucarias, and pass a Venetian Gothic palace, sculptures and hedges clipped into animal shapes. The Artequin art museum for children is inside the park. The open-air amphitheater hosts the Viña del Mar International Song Festival every February. Free tours run in several languages. It suits a long, quiet walk or a picnic.
From family estate to public park
Quinta Vergara was the estate of the Vergara family. José Francisco Vergara, the founder of Viña del Mar, lived here, and the palace was designed by the architects Ettore Petri and Alejandro Petri. Once it was finished, it became a centre of the city's social life.
The park was laid out in 1910, and in 1941 the property became an art museum. Today it is a public park with three main parts: the Vergara Palace, the amphitheater and the gardens. It is one reason Viña del Mar is called the Garden City.
The palace and the museums
The Vergara Palace is built in a Venetian Gothic style, sometimes described as neo-Gothic. Inside is the fine art museum, and the Escuela de Bellas Artes also works in the building. Sculptures are set out in the grounds around it, and temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year.
In the Potrerillos sector of the park is Artequin Viña del Mar, which opened in September 2008. It is an art museum for children, with reproductions of famous works, guided visits and workshops that encourage them to try making art themselves. The museums are closed on Mondays.
Gardens and paths
The gardens cover a large area, and the plants come from several continents. Trees from China and Canada grow among the araucarias, and wild birds live in the grounds. Some animal-shaped hedges stand along the paths, and there are quiet corners to sit in.
The Sendero de los Poetas is one of the walks. The Potrerillos area has a playground, and there are open lawns for children to run on. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are available, and the park also has sports courts and a skateboarding area. The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.
The amphitheater and the song festival
The large open-air amphitheater is the best-known part of the park. The Viña del Mar International Song Festival is held here every February, and has run since 1960 with international and Latin American artists. Countries compete for prizes, including silver and gold seagulls.
The amphitheater is not used only in February. Classical concerts have been held here on weekends in January, and other performances and events take place through the year. If a show is on during your stay, it is a good way to see the grounds.
Häufige Fragen
What is Quinta Vergara?
It is a park in Viña del Mar built on the former estate of the city founder's family. It contains gardens, the Vergara Palace, the Artequin museum and the amphitheater used for the Song Festival.
When is the Viña del Mar song festival held?
It takes place every February at the Quinta Vergara amphitheater, and has run since 1960.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. Free tours are offered in several languages.
Is Quinta Vergara good for children?
Yes. The park has a playground, open lawns, picnic tables and the interactive Artequin art museum.
Are the museums open on Mondays?
No. The museums in the park are closed on Mondays, though the gardens can still be walked.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
Yes, dogs are allowed.
