La Sebastiana House Museum | Valparaíso

It is located in Valparaiso, Chile, and is known for its unique architecture and for housing an important part of Neruda’s history and legacy.

History

The Casa Museo La Sebastiana has its origins in the mid-20th century when Pablo Neruda, renowned Chilean poet and Nobel Prize laureate in Literature in 1971, decided to acquire the property in Valparaíso.

Designed by Chilean architect Enrique Berger, the original construction of La Sebastiana was completed in 1959. Neruda was captivated by Valparaíso, a vibrant port city characterized by its colorful hills and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. La Sebastiana became a creative sanctuary for Neruda and his friends, named in honor of Sebastián Collado, the original builder.

Over the years, Neruda amassed a collection of antique furniture, artworks, marine objects, bottles, and other eclectic items that adorned the rooms of La Sebastiana. These objects reflected his diverse interests and deep affinity for poetry and the sea. The panoramic view from the house provided Neruda with constant inspiration for his writing.

Following Neruda’s death in 1973, La Sebastiana was inherited by his wife, Matilde Urrutia. In 1991, the Pablo Neruda Foundation acquired the house and undertook restoration efforts, opening it to the public as a museum in 1992. Since then, La Sebastiana has been a popular tourist destination and a cultural landmark in Valparaíso.

What do we find in the La Sebastiana House Museum?

At the Casa Museo La Sebastiana, visitors can discover a variety of elements that reflect Pablo Neruda’s life, taste, and significant aspects of Chilean history and culture. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Architecture and Design: La Sebastiana was designed with a unique style by architect Enrique Berger. Visitors can appreciate the whimsical layout of spaces, panoramic views of Valparaíso and the Pacific Ocean, and the details that make this house special.
2. Personal Collection of Pablo Neruda: The house houses an impressive collection of Neruda’s personal belongings, including antique furniture, artworks, sculptures, masks, and other decorative items. These objects reflect the poet’s varied interests and his love for poetry, the sea, and popular culture.
3. Library and Study: Visitors can explore Pablo Neruda’s library and study, where he spent time writing and working on his literary works. These spaces offer an intimate view of his creative process and the influences that shaped his work.
4. Panoramic Views: One of La Sebastiana’s most impressive features is the views it offers of Valparaíso and the sea. Visitors can enjoy unique panoramas that Neruda found inspiring and that influenced many of his poems.
5. Exhibitions and Guided Tours: The museum offers temporary exhibitions and guided tours that provide detailed information about Pablo Neruda’s life and work, as well as the history of the house itself. Guides are trained to share anecdotes and details that enrich the visitor’s experience.

How to get to La Sebastiana House Museum?

To get to Casa Museo La Sebastiana in Valparaíso, Chile, you can follow these directions:

1. From Downtown Valparaíso: La Sebastiana is located on Cerro Florida, specifically at Calle Ferrari 692. From downtown Valparaíso, you can take a taxi or a colectivo (shared taxi) to Cerro Florida. It’s advisable to confirm with the driver that they can take you directly to La Sebastiana, as colectivos often have specific routes.
2. On Foot or by Funicular from Plaza Sotomayor: If you prefer to walk and enjoy some of Valparaíso’s architecture and atmosphere, you can walk from Plaza Sotomayor up to Cerro Florida. The walk can be steep but provides a scenic route through the city. Alternatively, you can take the funicular (ascensor) from Plaza Sotomayor up to Cerro Florida. Once at the top, it’s a short walk to La Sebastiana.
3. By Car: If you have access to a car or are using transportation services like Uber or private taxis, you can input the address directly into your navigation app to reach La Sebastiana. Valparaíso has several narrow and steep streets, so caution is advised while driving.
4. Public Transport: There are buses that go to Cerro Florida, but direct access to La Sebastiana may require a bit of walking from the bus stop to the museum entrance.

It’s recommended to check La Sebastiana’s opening hours before planning your visit and consider taking advantage of guided tours, which can enhance your experience.

Recommendations for visiting La Sebastiana Museum