The project was launched by local residents and cultural managers to stop the visual degradation of their neighborhood buildings.
More than 100 national and international street artists have contributed to the collection over the last 15 years.
The museum covers approximately 40 blocks of residential space within the San Miguel commune.
Each mural is designed to be visible from the street level, effectively turning the neighborhood into an open-air exhibition space.
The collective maintains an official foundation to coordinate new artistic interventions and building maintenance.
Museo Cielo Abierto en San Miguel is an outdoor urban gallery featuring over 100 large-scale murals painted on the facades of residential apartment blocks. The project transformed the deteriorating Jota Pedro Alessandri housing complex into a vibrant public art district. Initiated in 2010, the collective effort aims to provide cultural access to the residents of the San Miguel commune. Most murals span the entire height of the five-story buildings. The artworks reflect diverse themes including Chilean history, social movements, environmental issues, and surrealist interpretations of local life. Unlike traditional museums, this gallery is integrated directly into a functioning residential neighborhood. It is recognized as one of the most successful urban intervention programs in Latin America.
The wide-angle perspective from the intersection of Av. Departamental and the adjacent residential streets offers the best view of the multi-story murals.
Visit during daylight hours to see the vibrant colors of the murals clearly.
Respect the privacy of the residents; do not enter private apartment stairwells or courtyards.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the mural zone covers several blocks.
Do not attempt to touch the murals or linger on private balconies, and avoid visiting late at night for safety and noise considerations.
Maintain a quiet volume to respect the daily lives of the local residents living in the mural-covered buildings.
