Casa del Arte

Casa del Arte is an art museum located on the University of Concepción campus, featuring a distinctive hexagonal structure with six main galleries spread across multiple floors. The building houses works by Chilean artists including Pedro Luna, Jorge Délano, and Thomas Somerscales, displayed primarily on the upper levels.

The museum opened in 1967 after the university acquired over 500 Chilean paintings from the Julio Vásquez Cortés collection, beginning with acquisitions in 1958. This purchase established one of the most important art collections outside Santiago.

The entrance hall displays a large mural titled 'Presencia de América Latina' by Mexican artist Jorge González Camarena, which visually connects the building to broader Latin American artistic movements. This work greets visitors immediately upon arrival and sets the cultural tone for the entire visit.

The best time to visit is early morning or afternoon when the galleries are less crowded and you can view the works at your own pace. Since the building is located within the university campus, visitors should be aware they are on private grounds and respect campus rules.

The building blends different architectural styles, combining an Art Nouveau facade at the front with neoclassical design at the rear. This mix of styles reflects the building's development and creates visual contrasts depending on where you approach it from.