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Government palace · Santiago, Metropolitana de Santiago
Palacio de La Moneda
Seat of the Presidency of Chile, in neoclassical style, designed by Joaquín Toesca to serve as the colonial mint. Under the southern plaza is the Centro Cultural La Moneda, with art and history exhibitions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palacio de La Moneda
The Palacio de La Moneda was built to mint coins. The Roman architect Joaquín Toesca presented the design in 1782, construction began in 1786, and the building was inaugurated in 1805 as the Real Casa de Moneda. In the mid-19th century it began to house the government and has since been the seat of the Presidency of the Republic.
The main façade faces the Plaza de la Constitución to the north, where there is a statue of Salvador Allende. In the same square the carabineros' changing of the guard takes place, with a band and horses, on alternating days. The schedule follows a rule of even and odd days depending on the month; check the date before you go.
The palace was bombed in the military coup of September 11, 1973, when Allende died inside. Restoration was completed in 1981. At certain times the internal courtyards, such as the Patio de los Naranjos, are opened to visits by prior reservation.
On the south side, beneath the Plaza de la Ciudadanía, is the Centro Cultural La Moneda, opened in 2006. The underground space houses temporary exhibition rooms, the Cineteca Nacional, shops selling crafts and Chilean design, and a café. Ramps and stairs descend from the square to the atrium, lit by a large glass roof.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour to see the façade and the squares; an hour and a half if you include the changing of the guard or an exhibition at the Centro Cultural.
Best time
In the morning, on days when the guard changes, to attend the ceremony at the Plaza de la Constitución. The Centro Cultural usually closes on Mondays; check the exhibition schedule before you go.
How to get there
La Moneda station on metro line 1 exits onto the Alameda, next to the Plaza de la Ciudadanía. From the Plaza de Armas it’s about an eight-minute walk along Bandera street or the Paseo Ahumada.
Tip
Visits to the internal courtyards depend on prior registration with the Presidency and presenting identification on the day. Without a reservation you can see the façade, the changing of the guard, and go down to the Centro Cultural, where shops sell ceramics, wool and silver from artisans across the country.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palacio de La Moneda
When does the changing of the guard take place at La Moneda?
On alternating days in the morning at the Plaza de la Constitución. The rule pairs even and odd days with the month. Check the calendar before you go.
Can you enter the Palacio de La Moneda?
At certain times, yes, with prior registration and an identity document. Without a reservation, visits are limited to the plazas and the Centro Cultural La Moneda, in the underground level on the south side.
What is in the Centro Cultural La Moneda?
Temporary art and history exhibitions, the Cineteca Nacional, craft and Chilean design shops, and a café — all in an underground space beneath the Plaza de la Ciudadanía.