Overview
Opened in 2010 as a venue to serve as a reminder of the infringements of Human Rights committed during the military dictatorship and, in this manner, to uplift the victims and their families.
This modern building houses a large exhibition of visual and documentary testimonies that invite the visitor to reflection, understanding and education regarding Human Rights.
Visits are free of charge and are orientated towards the general public. The museum covers 8,000 square meters and includes a digital library. Temporary exhibitions, workshops and courses are also held in the facilities to help deepen knowledge of Human Rights.
History
The Museum of Memory and Human Rights was created as an act of reparation and a space meant to highlight the infringements of Human Rights committed in the country between 1973 and 1990, the aim being to uplift victims and their families, fostering political and ethical reflection in order to strengthen the national will so that such events will never occur again in Chile.
Its origins lie in the recommendations of the Rettig Report; in President Ricardo Lagos’ administration’s support policies for the construction of memorials, and in the decision of President Michelle Bachelet’s administration to respond to the demands of organizations of family members of victims and human rights defense agencies, whose files were added to UNESCO’s register of “Memory of the World” records.
The museum was conceived as a place to preserve and exhibit testimonies and documents that give an overview of recent history as well as to deal with contingent issues such as violence, discrimination, and indigenous peoples’ rights, among other matters of national interest.
Permanent Collection
The permanent exhibit of the Museum of Memory and Human Rights includes elements that narrate the events that occurred in Chile between September 11, 1973 and March 10, 1990.
Through interactive resources as well as visual and audio supports, the museum invites visitors to reflect on the meaning of this period in Chile’s history.
Other highlights include collections of objects commemorating the victims, pieces of considerable symbolic value such as prison handicrafts, personal and biographic objects; apart from oral and written testimonies.
Santiago.