Casa Abaroa, Historical museum in Antofagasta, Chile
Casa Abaroa is a French neoclassical house featuring two main floors, a basement level, and graceful arched windows throughout. The building showcases ornamental balustrades along its main corridor stairs and reflects the architectural style of wealthy residences in early 20th century Chile.
The residence was built in 1920 by Spanish architect Jaime Pedreny for entrepreneur Andronico Abaroa. It emerged during a period of great economic growth in the city, driven by the nitrate mining activities that made the region prosperous.
The house served as a space where the nitrate industry's story and regional development were presented to visitors. People came here to learn about the entrepreneurs who shaped the northern city and their legacy.
The building is located near Parque Brasil and is easy to reach when exploring that part of the city. It offers access to multiple levels, so wearing comfortable shoes and allowing time to explore the different floors would be helpful.
The property includes two smaller buildings on the front yard that originally functioned as a garage and a gatehouse. These separate structures offer insight into the practical needs of wealthy households from that era and show how the family accommodated their staff and vehicles.
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