Get Cultured in Santiago

If you’re staying at the Lastarria Boutique or Luciano K Hotel in Santiago, remember there are a number of leading cultural institutions within short walking distance of your digs including the Centro Gabriela Mistral.

Named after the Chilean poet who was the first Latin American to win the Noble Prize for Literature (1945), the sprawling center hosts a wide variety of cultural events, from live dance, drama and music to exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography. And you certainly don’t have to be a Spanish speaker to enjoy and appreciate most of the daily shows or activities.

The building also has a contentious history. Created as a conference venue and cultural center in 1972 by the socialist government of Salvador Allende, the massive structure became headquarters for the Ministry of National Defense during Pinochet’s military junta before reverting to its original purpose after democracy was restored to Chile.

Ask the concierge at the Lastarria or Luciano K about the latest happenings at the CGM and get them to book you tickets for any of the performing arts shows that look enticing.