Palacio Lyon, Valparaíso, Historical monument in Valparaíso, Chile.

Palacio Lyon is a stately mansion in Valparaiso built with stone foundations and reinforced brick walls that showcase 19th-century construction quality. The building displays multiple interconnected rooms and spaces, with the original grand entrance staircase modified over time due to street changes.

Designed by the German-Danish architect Carlos Von Moltke, the palace was built in 1881 as the Lyon family residence. In 1910 it was sold to the Chilean State, which installed the Instituto Comercial de Valparaíso. The building was one of the few that withstood the 1906 Valparaíso earthquake. In 1975 the institute moved out, and in 1988 the palace became the Museo de Historia Natural de Valparaíso, with an art gallery in its basement.

The Natural History Museum operates within these walls, displaying scientific collections that reflect the region's natural heritage and local discoveries. Visitors walk through rooms filled with specimens and exhibits that tell the story of Chile's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

The palace is located on Condell Street and is easily found in central Valparaiso, where the museum welcomes visitors. Access is straightforward through the main building entrance, which is clearly visible from the street level.

The structure was one of the few buildings that survived the catastrophic 1906 earthquake unscathed, thanks to its advanced construction techniques for that era. This resilience made it a notable example of engineering excellence when most neighboring buildings collapsed or suffered serious damage.