Edificio Isabel Bongard, Historical monument in La Serena, Chile.
Edificio Isabel Bongard is a symmetrical two-level structure in La Serena organized around a central axis, with two side courtyards that frame neoclassical architectural features. The facade displays balanced proportions and clean lines that reflect the ordered interior layout, creating a composed and harmonious appearance.
The building was established as a teacher training school in 1890, when President Balmaceda appointed Isabel Bongard as its director. It operated under German educational methods until 1940, when it transitioned away from its original purpose of training primary school instructors.
Under Isabel Bongard's direction, the school became known for bringing scientific methods and secular subjects into its teaching. Today, visitors can sense this spirit of progressive education throughout the building, which continues to serve the academic community.
The building is located at 851 Amunategui Street and now functions as part of the University of La Serena campus, continuing its role in higher education. As it remains an active academic space, visitors should be mindful of operating hours and respect ongoing university activities.
The original design included fruit gardens and diverse plantings of palm trees, cypresses, and oriental plane trees surrounding the school complex. These green spaces were an integral part of the overall composition and helped create a peaceful learning setting.
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