Review
A colonial style heritage property, declared a National Monument in 1970, where a range of cultural activities, such as visual arts exhibitions, artistic and theme-based encounters, are held. Activities are targeted at the general public and are free of charge.
The earthquake of February 27th 2010, produced important damages in the building, this motivated the development of works to recover the gallery, that considered the restoration of its materiality, to highlight its architectonic details and to contribute new solutions to the damages. Besides it was considered a redistribution of the spaces, making them more functional for the development of exhibitions.
On november 2014, Posada del Corregidor reopened its doors to neighbors and visitors of Santiago with a new ixhibition about its process of restoration and enhancement.
History
The house where this gallery operates was built between 1750 and 1765, and since then has hosted recreational and social activities. In the 19th century, it was known as the “Philharmonic” for the popular dance hall established in it in 1830. In 1928 it was purchased by Darío Zañartu to make it a “Sanctuary of Colonial Time Memories”. The new owner gave it its current name, although there is no relationship between this house and Luis Manuel de Zañartu, who held the position of Corregidor (i.e., mayor appointed by the king) of Santiago in the Colonial times.
Architecture
A rectangular-shaped corner house in urban colonial style, with two floors, an overhanging balcony, and a corner pillar. A fine example of period architecture. It has mud-brick walls, and on the ground floor there is a thick circular corner pillar excellently crafted in pink stone. The overhanging balcony that goes round to the south façade stands out for its decorative richness. The roof structure is made of wood, with beams in the mezzanine floor and clay colonial roof tiling.
Esmeralda, 749, Santiago.