Bernardo O'Higgins

This bronze bust portrays Bernardo O'Higgins with a stern, focused expression and was created by Chilean artist Galvarino Ponce Morel in 2009. The sculpture occupies an accessible open area near the entrance of the Chilean Embassy in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

This monument honors the leader who guided Chile's independence from Spanish colonial rule and became the nation's first Supreme Director. He was a central figure in South American struggles for freedom during the early 1800s.

The sculpture reflects the ongoing diplomatic ties between Chile and the United States expressed through public monuments. It sits as a symbol of friendship between the two nations within Washington DC's diplomatic landscape.

The sculpture sits on public ground accessible at any time near the Chilean Embassy in the Dupont Circle area. Visitors can view it directly from the street or adjacent spaces without needing special access or arrangements.

The artist Galvarino Ponce Morel was himself an accomplished Chilean sculptor whose works reflect his nation's history and values. The bust was created relatively recently in 2009, making it one of Washington's newer additions to its collection of South American monuments.

Creator: Galvarino Ponce Morel

GPS coordinates: 38.90825,-77.03994

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:01