Casa de Pedro del Río Zañartu

Casa de Pedro del Río Zañartu is a grand mansion in Concepción built with traditional Chilean colonial architecture and a square layout. The structure features a central courtyard and tall windows facing the Biobío River and ocean, while its interior now houses more than 6000 objects from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe.

The mansion was built in 1870 as a private residence and later transformed into a museum after Pedro del Río Zañartu donated it to the Province of Concepción in 1918. This donation preserved the estate and its collection as public cultural heritage, allowing future generations to access its international treasures.

The residence reflects the collecting passion of its original owners, who gathered artworks and objects from across the globe to fill their home. The rooms show how a wealthy 19th-century family displayed their treasures and documented their connection to the wider world.

The museum sits in a somewhat remote area west of Concepción and is best reached by following Avenida Costera toward the waterfront. It is worth allowing plenty of time to view the numerous collection pieces at a relaxed pace, as the rooms are generously filled with objects.

The mansion holds an Egyptian mummy and other rare objects that Pedro del Río collected during his travels around the world. These exceptional pieces are displayed alongside everyday items throughout the rooms, creating an intriguing contrast.