The permanent collection of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, displayed in the building's soaring chambers, begins with the Spanish Colonial era and traces Chile's cultural development through the styles of its artistic masters. Temporary exhibitions come from around Chile and the world. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) is also located in the Palacio de Bellas Artes; while it may lack the gravitas of the neighboring Fine Arts Museum, exhibits can be a lot more fun.
Santiago's hop-on hop-off buses, known as Turistik, include a stop at Palacio de Bellas Artes, and guided city tours sometimes do as well. Guided tours of the museum can be arranged in advance for groups of at least five people.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is located on the northern edge of the historic district, five blocks from the Plaza de Armas, close to the river. This busy neighborhood isn't the easiest to navigate with a car, but there are several metro stops nearby. The #5 green line serves the Bellas Artes stop right in front of the building.
Overall, the best time to visit Santiago is during its shoulder seasons, from late September to November and from March to May, since the weather is still sunny but the crowds aren't as bad. You’ll encounter the most tourists during summer from November to April. Cooler temperatures and showers are more common from May to September, but the museum is a good option for a cold, rainy day.
Architecture lovers will also want to visit Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana), which overlooks the Plaza de Armas. Inside this massive structure, you’ll find a richly adorned altar and ornate decoration, plus a small museum of religious artifacts. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, with masses on Sundays.