El Museo de Artes Visuales MAVI UC se encuentra en el corazón del Barrio Lastarria, en el centro de Santiago de Chile.
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MAVI UC Museum

4.5
·2k reviews·Santiago, Chile

Discover contemporary Chilean art at MAVI UC Museum, a budget-friendly gem in Santiago's vibrant Lastarria neighborhood.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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El Museo de Artes Visuales MAVI UC se encuentra en el corazón del Barrio Lastarria, en el centro de Santiago de Chile.

MAVI UC Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover contemporary Chilean art at MAVI UC Museum, a budget-friendly gem in Santiago's vibrant Lastarria neighborhood.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Affordable art that showcases emerging talent in a lively neighborhood."

Vertical photo
TIP

Budget-Friendly Admission

:moneybag: Entry is very affordable, often around 1,000-2,500 CLP. Students and children may get in free!

Explore the Lastarria Neighborhood

:walking: The museum is in a vibrant area with cafes and restaurants, perfect for before or after your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven

Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven

Discover emerging Chilean artists and their innovative works in this dynamic annual exhibition.

Roberto Matta's Outdoor Sculpture

Roberto Matta's Outdoor Sculpture

Plaza Mulato de Gil

An impressive outdoor artwork by Roberto Matta that adds artistic flair to the surrounding plaza.

Unique Video Art Presentations

Unique Video Art Presentations

Explore thought-provoking video art, often presented in a darkened room on the top level.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Better Visit

MAVI UC Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you prefer a more intimate experience with the art. Check their schedule for special events or exhibitions that might impact your visit.

Affordable Art Exploration

With an admission fee of around 2,500 CLP (or 1,000 CLP as mentioned in some reviews), MAVI UC Museum offers an incredibly budget-friendly art experience. Students and children often get free admission, making it accessible for many.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM
Why
Museum operating hours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

MAVI 📍José Victorino Lastarria 307, Santiago centro #santiago #chile #viajes
@despegar.cl
52.5K likes • 564.3K views

Budget-Friendly Admission

:moneybag: Entry is very affordable, often around 1,000-2,500 CLP. Students and children may get in free! TikTokReddit

Explore the Lastarria Neighborhood

:walking: The museum is in a vibrant area with cafes and restaurants, perfect for before or after your visit. TikTokReddit

Hoy en Museo de los Museos te invitamos a recorrer la muestra del Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven 2025, una selección de 35 obras que revelan las búsquedas, lenguajes y territorios del arte emergente chileno. Instalaciones, videoarte, escultura y pintura que interpelan desde lo íntimo, lo político y lo poético. Conoce a las ganadoras y menciones destacadas en mavi.cl y sumérgete en una curaduría que a...
museodelosmuseos
67 likes • 2.8K views
Hoy comenzamos las actividades junto a la presidenta de @icomofficiel Emma Nardi e @icom_lac con la visita a @mavichile y su muestra del Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven. Mañana lunes nos encontramos desde las 8.30 en la Casa Central de la Universidad de Chile con el inicio de Re-Conexiones Encuentro regional de la Alianza ICOM LAC “Museos rumbo a Dubai 2025” y las Jornadas Museologicas Chilenas Inscrí...
icomchile
138 likes • 5.9K views

Check for Special Exhibitions

:art: MAVI UC often hosts unique exhibitions like the Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven. Instagram

Don't Miss Outdoor Art

:statueofliberty: Look for Roberto Matta's sculpture in the nearby Plaza Mulato de Gil. Instagram

Probablemente, dada su permanente exposición a la vista de miles de visitantes del lugar, una obra maestra del artista chileno Roberto Matta pasa inadvertida para quienes circulan entre el Museo y MAVI UC y los cafés del área. Pero ahí está desde hace más de dos décadas dando valor y embelleciendo la singular plaza Mulato de Gil en el centro de Santiago a sólo unas cuadras del GAM. Se trata de «L...
santiagoadicto
4.7K likes • 136.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Budget-Friendly Admission

:moneybag: Entry is very affordable, often around 1,000-2,500 CLP. Students and children may get in free! TikTokReddit

Explore the Lastarria Neighborhood

:walking: The museum is in a vibrant area with cafes and restaurants, perfect for before or after your visit. TikTokReddit

Check for Special Exhibitions

:art: MAVI UC often hosts unique exhibitions like the Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven. Instagram

Don't Miss Outdoor Art

:statueofliberty: Look for Roberto Matta's sculpture in the nearby Plaza Mulato de Gil. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

MAVI UC Museum is praised for its incredibly affordable admission and its role in showcasing emerging Chilean contemporary artists. Visitors appreciate the location in the vibrant Lastarria neighborhood, offering a pleasant atmosphere for pre or post-visit exploration. However, some find the exhibition spaces somewhat limited or the displays not engaging enough for a dedicated trip.

"There are three floors of exhibition space which features just a few large installations. We recently enjoyed the exhibition of historic hats and caps. Even for those with limited Spanish skills may be able to figure out the meanings. The staff the desk was friendly and welcoming. Cost is $5pp to enter. There is a clean bathroom and the neighborhood offers lots of cafes and restaurants for before or after."

LS Sheldon

"As ever, I always find exhibits to entertain me in modern art museums and this didn't disappoint. The entrance fee is very cheap $1000 CP, and the exhibitions are a combination of video art, paintings and sculptures. One item that caught my eye was the grand piano on spiders legs!!! The exhibitions are on split levels, on the top level is a darkened room with more interesting video presentations."

Miles Macdonald

"I considered this place a little bit tiny for a museum since their exhibits were somewhat limited. It's a ver clean and spacious, though. However, I wasn't convinced by its dimensions. I went to see a concert there, and they started late and finished at a time that wasn't scheduled in the event promotion. That's why I'm giving this place 3 stars."

Ariel Belmont

What People Like

Affordable admission fee
Showcases emerging artists
Great Lastarria location

What People Dislike

Limited exhibition space
Exhibits can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The MAVI UC Museum is located at José Victorino Lastarria 307, Santiago Centro. It's easily accessible within the Lastarria neighborhood, a popular area for walks in Santiago. You can reach it by public transport or a short taxi/ride-share from other parts of the city. TikTok

Yes, the Lastarria neighborhood is known for being walkable and pleasant to explore, with many cafes and cultural spots. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is very affordable, typically around 2,500 CLP. Some reviews mention it being as low as 1,000 CLP. Students and children often receive free entry. TikTokReddit

The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes. TikTok

While advance booking isn't typically highlighted as essential due to the low cost and manageable size, it's wise to check their website if you're visiting during a major exhibition or holiday. Reddit

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

MAVI UC focuses on contemporary art, showcasing a mix of video art, paintings, and sculptures. They are known for hosting exhibitions like the Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven, which highlights emerging Chilean artists. InstagramReddit

The museum has three floors of exhibition space. While some visitors find the exhibits somewhat limited or the museum 'tiny,' others appreciate the focused installations and unique pieces. Reddit+1

While not explicitly stated as interactive, the video art presentations, especially those in the darkened room on the top level, can be quite immersive. Reddit

Yes, if you have about 15 minutes to spare and are in the area, it can be a worthwhile quick stop. However, some visitors suggest it might not be worth going out of your way for if you're short on time. Reddit

Yes, there is a clean bathroom available for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not appear to have a cafe or restaurant. However, the surrounding Lastarria neighborhood is filled with numerous cafes and restaurants, perfect for a meal before or after your visit. TikTokReddit

The Lastarria area offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, catering to diverse tastes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask staff if you're unsure about taking photos. Reddit

The contemporary art pieces themselves, especially unique installations or video art, can make for interesting photos. The outdoor sculpture by Roberto Matta in Plaza Mulato de Gil is also a notable photo spot. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

MAVI UC Museum can be a good option for families looking for a brief cultural outing. The affordable admission, with potential free entry for children, makes it an accessible choice. TikTok While the exhibits are contemporary and might require some explanation, the museum's manageable size means kids won't get overwhelmed. Look out for visually engaging installations or video art that might capture their attention. Reddit

Pairing a visit with exploring the lively Lastarria neighborhood is highly recommended. The area offers plenty of open spaces and cafes where children can relax or grab a snack. The outdoor sculpture by Roberto Matta in Plaza Mulato de Gil can also be a point of interest for younger visitors. Instagram Remember to check the current exhibition details to see if it aligns with your children's interests.

🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget

For art lovers seeking quality experiences without a hefty price tag, MAVI UC Museum is a must-visit. The extremely low entrance fee makes it a standout attraction, allowing you to immerse yourself in contemporary Chilean art without financial strain. Reddit The museum's focus on emerging artists through events like the Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven offers a chance to discover new talent and cutting-edge work. Instagram

Its location in the culturally rich Lastarria neighborhood means you can easily spend a day exploring art and culture. Combine your museum visit with browsing nearby galleries, enjoying street art, and sampling local cuisine at affordable eateries. TikTokReddit Even if contemporary art isn't your primary focus, the unique pieces and thoughtful curation can offer a refreshing perspective, making it a worthwhile stop for any art enthusiast exploring Santiago.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Contemporary Chilean Art

MAVI UC Museum is a key venue for experiencing contemporary Chilean art. It frequently hosts the Premio MAVI UC Arte Joven, an exhibition that shines a spotlight on emerging artists. This initiative is crucial for the development and visibility of new talent in Chile's art scene. The works displayed often reflect the current social, political, and personal landscapes of the country, offering visitors a unique perspective on Chilean culture and creativity. Instagram+1

Beyond the Arte Joven prize, the museum features a rotating selection of exhibitions that can include video art, installations, paintings, and sculptures. While some visitors note the museum's size, the curated nature of the exhibits means that each piece is often given ample space to be appreciated. The staff are generally described as friendly and welcoming, contributing to a positive visitor experience. Reddit+1

For those interested in the broader art scene in Santiago, MAVI UC is strategically located in the vibrant Lastarria neighborhood. This area is a hub for cultural activities, museums, and galleries, making it easy to combine a visit to MAVI UC with explorations of other nearby attractions. The presence of Roberto Matta's outdoor sculpture in the adjacent Plaza Mulato de Gil further enhances the artistic ambiance of the surroundings. Instagram

MAVI UC Museum: A Budget Traveler's Gem

For travelers mindful of their budget, MAVI UC Museum stands out as an excellent choice. The admission fee is remarkably low, often cited as 1,000 to 2,500 Chilean Pesos (CLP), making it one of the most affordable cultural attractions in Santiago. TikTokReddit This low cost doesn't compromise the quality of the experience, especially for those interested in contemporary art. Furthermore, students and children frequently enjoy free admission, adding to its accessibility for families and young visitors. TikTok

The museum's location in the heart of the Lastarria neighborhood also contributes to its appeal for budget travelers. Lastarria is a lively district brimming with cafes, street performers, and other attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a lot of money. This allows visitors to create a rich cultural itinerary without breaking the bank. TikTokReddit Many reviewers appreciate that the museum offers a worthwhile experience even for a short visit, making it a perfect option for filling a gap in the day or for those who prefer shorter museum excursions. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider that while the museum is small, the exhibitions are thoughtfully curated. This means you can have a meaningful encounter with art without needing to dedicate an entire day. Combining a visit to MAVI UC with a stroll through Lastarria, perhaps grabbing a coffee or a local empanada, offers a complete and affordable Santiago experience. Reddit

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