If you are visiting Plaza de la Moneda to check the guard, take some extra time to also visit here. But don't expect that much.
The Chilean contemporary art exhibition was enjoyable as was the temporary (?) Brazilian naive and contemporary art exhibition. The day we visited there was also a craft market in the free access area of the centre which had some good quality merchandise.
It is a bit surprising to realize that this huge building is where Allende was attacked. It is both the Parliament, which is very well guarded by soldiers, but, on one end, where one takes a ramp down, there is access to a museum and various shops. We haven't seen the museums, but there is one shop where we found beautiful silver jewelry and beautifully woven shawls and rugs. We love these kinds of things and highly recommend it for those of you who like quality crafts.
Go to the museums, shop for local crafts or a book while learning about the craftspeople via display videos, eat lunch in the cafe. This is a relaxing place to get out of the sun and heat of the city for a break.
Politically interesting and historically significant building and site. Not really too much to see though. Was under pretty tight police control when we were there late Oct 2014.
This sunken Plaza offers a market in the weekends where you can find handcraft objects and activities for kids.
My boy were so interested to see inside the centre. They loved the maze at the door, and exploring through all the rooms. There was a variety of old and new arts and crafts to look at. Also it has extended opening hours, so it was convenient to stop in there on the way back to our hotel after exploring further afield.
Learn the history of the events that have happened at the Palacio de la Moneda before you. The Cultural Center is an added bonus to this area and the plaza is a nice public space.
Underground the Presidential Palace, this center is a great addition to the downtown area.Some good restaurants. Parking. Local (upscale) handcrafts. And the cultural center, that curates some excellent expositions.
I had read a lot about the exhibitions here and a Chilean friend had recommended that we visit. The day we visited, however, there was almost nothing to see in the Cultural Center, as most of the rooms were closed. I don't know if they were between exhibitions or not. The building itself is interesting and we enjoyed the small free museum in the back right corner of the entrance level. There is no charge.