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ABOUT LASTARRIA NEIGHBORHOOD - Compliments of SINGULAR SANTIAGO HOTEL

SANTA LUCIA HILL Santa Lucia Hill is an important historical icon of the city of Santiago. Spanish conquerors arrived in the central valley of Chile and Pedro de Valdivia conquered the hill, establishing the city of Santiago de Extremadura on February 12th, 1541. First used as a lookout with forts and castles, the hill was transformed in the 19th century when the first Chilean mills were installed on the west side, along with the first roads and estates. Years later, they were further divided into multiple estates, giving origin to the traditional roads and neighborhoods we know today. PARQUE FORESTAL This charming urban park, which runs alongside the Mapocho River, is an ideal spot for a stroll. While you’re here, breathe in the scent of fresh flowers at the Pergola de las Flores, and wander through the Mercado Central, a local fish market.  There is also an Archeological Museum that focuses on artifacts from indigenous peoples of Chile, as well as the Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) that was refurbished in 2008. Travelers may also want to explore Estacion Mapocho, an ornate train station opened in 1913.

Why Lastarria neighborhood?
By: Nicolás Sahli | - SINGULAR HOTELS

World-Class Art in Santiago’s Creative Heart
We chose the Lastarria neighborhood of Santiago as the site of our new hotel for many reasons. It is charming, historic, eclectic… but perhaps the most compelling aspect of Lastarria is the area’s rich artistic heritage.

Lastarria is Santiago’s cauldron of creative endeavor.  It has drawn some of Santiago’s most notable artists, including the painter Camilo Mori, novelist Luis Orrego Luco and the liberal writer Jose Victorino Lastarria (for whom the neighborhood is named).

This heritage has helped to define Lastarria as the city’s artistic center—and make it the natural destination for some of Santiago’s best art museums.  Here are a few that are just a short walk away from The Singular Santiago, ranging from classic collections to cutting-edge modern art exhibition spaces:

Museo Nacional de Bella Artes
Established in 1880, the Museum Nacional de Bella Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) is the oldest art museum in South America and features both European and Chilean artwork.  The current building is housed in the Palace of Fine Arts (a building which was completed in 1910 in Parque Forestal), and is a fascinating amalgam of Baroque Revival, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Inside, you’ll find more than 2,700 paintings, as well as sketches, sculptures and an art library with over 15,000 volumes.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo
The other half of Santiago’s Palace of Fine Arts, the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (Museum of Contemporary Art) has stood as a bastion of artistic expression for over half a century. The museum is home to nearly 2,000 pieces of art created since the 19th century. Pieces range from sculptures to paintings, and represent some of the finest works from luminaries such as Isamu Noguchi, Alfredo Jaar, Roberto Matta and more.

Museo de Artes Visuales
This is the newest museum on the block—created in 2001, this institution showcases modern Chilean art from the 1960s onward.  In addition to paintings and sculptures, Museo de Artes Visuales (Museum of Visual Arts) features photography and graphic arts. At inception, the museum had 650 pieces of art—today, it accommodates more than 1,400 works of modern Chilean artists.