Review
Since its renovation in 2004 this square has taken on a significant importance by providing a new space for the development of cultural life in Santiago thanks to the creation of La Moneda Palace Cultural Center.
Plaza de la Ciudadanía, or the People’s Square, along with the Cultural Center, is only part of a large project supplemented by the renovation of the square lying on the south side of Alameda street: the starting point for the Bulnes pedestrian walkway and the place where Bernardo O’Higgins’ burial vault is located.
Linking up both places is a small oval-shaped square which was remodeled in the median of Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, where a gigantic Chilean flag was raised for the country’s bicentennial celebration.
History
Plaza de la Ciudadanía was originally used as a parking lot for La Moneda Palace, but it was remodeled as part of the plan designed by the Ministry of Public Works to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Republic in 2010.
The work involved building an underground parking lot and the La Moneda Palace Cultural Center, while on surface a modern public square with reflecting pools was implemented.
In 2010, in the middle of the Bicentenary celebration, an enormous 27 by 19 meter Chilean flag raised on a 61 meter high mast was set up in the small square on the central median of Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins.
Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago.