National Museum of Natural History
Discover Chile's natural wonders, from colossal whale skeletons to prehistoric dinosaurs, in this free, engaging museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
National Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Chile's natural wonders, from colossal whale skeletons to prehistoric dinosaurs, in this free, engaging museum.
"A well-presented museum with a lot to see for people of all ages, and it's free!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Less Crowds
Beat the weekend rush by arriving right at opening. Free entry means it gets busy fast!
📱 Use Translation Apps
Most signs are in Spanish. A translation app will greatly enhance your understanding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whale Skeleton
Main Hall
A spectacular, massive whale skeleton that dominates the main hall. Truly awe-inspiring!

Chilean Wildlife Dioramas
Various Galleries
Immersive displays showcasing the diverse flora and fauna native to Chile. Educational and engaging.

Dinosaur Exhibits
Fossil Gallery
Impressive dinosaur displays that are a hit with all ages, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Crowds
Language & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Less Crowds
Beat the weekend rush by arriving right at opening. Free entry means it gets busy fast!
📱 Use Translation Apps
Most signs are in Spanish. A translation app will greatly enhance your understanding.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the exhibits.
🌳 Explore the Surrounding Park
The museum is nestled within a beautiful park. Enjoy a stroll before or after your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Less Crowds
Beat the weekend rush by arriving right at opening. Free entry means it gets busy fast!
📱 Use Translation Apps
Most signs are in Spanish. A translation app will greatly enhance your understanding.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the exhibits.
🌳 Explore the Surrounding Park
The museum is nestled within a beautiful park. Enjoy a stroll before or after your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Museum of Natural History for its impressive exhibits, especially the whale skeleton and dinosaur displays, and its free admission. It's a great spot for families and those interested in Chilean wildlife. Some find the signage to be predominantly in Spanish and suggest updates for certain displays, but overall, it's considered a valuable and engaging cultural experience.
"A well presented museum with a lot to see for people of all ages. On a Saturday morning, it was a zoo with lots of children and young families which made it loud and raucous. 😊 Some of the displays are a little tired and need to be refreshed but there a lot to learn here. The signs are in Spanish, but with translation software, it is not difficult to understand. The dinosaur exhibits are super impressive. Entry is free which makes it all the better. Stroll thru the beautiful park before or after to enjoy the environment."
LS Sheldon
"Beautifully presented museum of natural history, with lots of displays and information. It is located within the gardens which took me a second to figure out."
ben
"Amazing museum with a spectacular display of a whale skeleton.
Lots of exhibits of animals pertaining to Chile.
Great place to bring children and it’s free admission for all ages.
It’s located inside the park and close to the metro."
tash gov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located within the Parque Quinta Normal, making it easily accessible. It's close to the Quinta Normal metro station on Line 5.
While the museum is in a park, paid street parking is generally available in the surrounding areas. However, using public transport like the metro is often more convenient.
Yes, it's a great addition to a day exploring Parque Quinta Normal. You can combine it with other attractions in the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the National Museum of Natural History is completely free for all ages, which is a huge plus!
The museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday closures.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, due to its popularity, especially on weekends, arriving early is recommended to avoid long queues.
The museum often features special exhibitions. Current exhibits may include topics like 'Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky' or 'Cellphones: Unseen Connections'. Check their website for the latest information.
Some social media posts indicate that strollers may not be allowed in certain areas, particularly the Butterfly Pavilion. It's best to confirm this upon arrival or check their guidelines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the spectacular whale skeleton, the impressive dinosaur exhibits, and the dioramas showcasing Chilean wildlife.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for kids, with engaging exhibits like dinosaurs and animals that spark curiosity.
While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, museums of this caliber generally aim for accessibility. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for detailed information.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but tripods might be restricted, especially in certain exhibits like the Butterfly Pavilion.
The museum is laid out with various galleries. Start with the main hall to see the whale skeleton, then explore the Chilean wildlife and dinosaur exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While some sources mention food and drinks being available, it's not a primary focus. It's best to check current offerings or plan to eat before or after your visit.
Generally, museums have policies against outside food and drinks in exhibit areas. It's advisable to consume them outside or in designated areas if available.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is usually permitted. However, tripods are often prohibited, particularly in high-traffic or delicate exhibit areas.
The whale skeleton in the main hall is a dramatic centerpiece. The detailed dioramas and the museum's architecture itself also make for great photo opportunities.
While personal photos are fine, commercial photography or extensive filming might require special permission. Always check the museum's guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider exploring the surrounding Parque Quinta Normal before or after your visit for more space to run around. Some areas, like the Butterfly Pavilion, might have restrictions on strollers, so it's worth checking upon arrival.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a stroll through the adjacent Parque Quinta Normal for a full day of free activities. Since most signage is in Spanish, having a translation app on your phone will be invaluable and also free!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits
For those fascinated by prehistoric life, the dinosaur exhibits are a major draw. These displays are described as super impressive and are a guaranteed hit with younger visitors and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. The museum aims to educate and engage, making complex scientific information accessible through its presentations.
While the exhibits are generally well-received, some reviews suggest that certain displays could benefit from an update to keep them feeling fresh. However, the sheer volume of information and the quality of the core exhibits ensure a rewarding experience for most.
Visitor Experience & Practicalities
A common point of feedback is that most of the signage and descriptive text is in Spanish. While translation apps are a lifesaver for many international visitors, some express a desire for at least some English text to be included, given the museum's appeal to tourists. The museum is situated within the beautiful Parque Quinta Normal, and visitors often suggest taking time to stroll through the park before or after their museum visit to fully appreciate the surroundings.
Practical considerations include comfortable footwear, as there's a lot to see and cover. While photography is generally allowed, be aware that tripods might be restricted in certain areas, such as the Butterfly Pavilion. Despite minor drawbacks like the need for translation and occasional dated displays, the overall sentiment is that the museum offers a valuable and enjoyable educational experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit