Enjoy a stroll along the Open Air Museum of Valparaíso (Museo a Cielo Abierto), an artistic creation that brings life and colour to the hills of Valparaíso. This collection of 20 murals is painted on the walls along the zigzagging streets of the Cerro Bellavista district. The museum opened in 1992 and is the brainchild of Santiago-born artist and professor Francisco Méndez Labbé. Stop to visit as part of a culture tour of Ruta Bellavista.
As you walk, look for the murals decorating the sides of houses, retainer walls and even stairways. Chilean and Latin American artists were commissioned to design the murals, which were then painted by art students of the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Accompanying the murals are signs with information about the artists.
Featured artists include recognised Chileans such as Gracia Barrios, Mario Toral and José Balmes. Work by Argentine Eduardo Pérez is also included. Don’t miss the piece created by Roberto Matta, a member of the surrealist movement and one of Chile’s most famous painters.
Plan to spend about an hour for strolling from painting to painting. Afterward, explore other areas of the Ruta Bellavista. Most notable is La Sebastiana Museum, the former home of acclaimed poet Pablo Neruda. Peek inside the well-preserved rooms and enjoy sweeping views over Valparaíso’s coastline and harbour.
The outdoor museum begins at Subida Pasteur, just a short distance from Plaza Victoria. The walk is via steep, hilly streets so you might want to start at the top and walk downhill. To do so, catch Ascensor Espiritu Santo or Ascensor Florida, which stop close to La Sebastiana Museum. An alternative way to return is to walk along picturesque Avenida Alemania toward Plaza Sotomayor.
More information about the Open Air Museum of Valparaíso is available on its official website. Pick up a map of the Ruta Bellavista from most hotels, restaurants and the tourist office on Plaza Sotomayor.
