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Museums #25 in Santiago (commune)

National Aerospace Museum

4.8 · 7,185 reviews
Educational and spacious
National Aerospace Museum - Av. Pedro Aguirre Cerda 5000, 9200000 Cerrillos, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Interesting facts
1

The museum is housed at the site of the former Los Cerrillos Airport, which was once the primary international gateway to Santiago.

2

It holds the original fuselage of the plane flown by Dagoberto Godoy, the first pilot to cross the Andes Mountains in 1918.

3

The collection includes a diverse range of aircraft, from early 20th-century biplanes to Cold War-era fighter jets.

4

The institution operates as a dependency of the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).

5

It features a dedicated space for the history of Chilean meteorology and the evolution of forecasting tools in the country.

6

Some of the outdoor exhibits are staged on original taxiways once used by commercial and military aircraft.

7

The museum archives document the formation of the Chilean Air Force and the early days of LAN Chile airline.

8

It contains a specialized library and documentation center for aeronautical research.

Overview

The Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio is located on the historic grounds of Los Cerrillos Airport in Santiago, Chile. The museum preserves the history of Chilean aviation, featuring a collection of over 90 aircraft, including historical military planes and civilian gliders. It is managed by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and serves as the primary repository for the country's aeronautical heritage. The exhibition space spans indoor hangars and outdoor displays, showcasing engines, technical equipment, and space exploration artifacts. Visitors can explore the development of Chilean air mail, combat aviation, and meteorological services. The museum facility incorporates significant architectural elements from the former airport's terminal infrastructure.

Photo spot

The outdoor tarmac area where fighter jets are lined up with the mountain range in the background.

Insider tips

Bring sun protection as a significant portion of the aircraft display is located in open-air sections without shade.

Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions before planning your visit.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to climb or touch the aircraft on display, as many are fragile historical artifacts.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as weekends attract more local families and school groups.
Address
National Aerospace Museum - Av. Pedro Aguirre Cerda 5000, 9200000 Cerrillos, Región Metropolitana, Chile
-33.488, -70.697
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsDagoberto Godoy’s Bristol M.1c, Cold War jet fighters, and historical air mail equipment

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as weekends attract more local families and school groups..

The outdoor tarmac area where fighter jets are lined up with the mountain range in the background.

Close by you'll find Parque Bicentenario de Cerrillos, Fantasilandia, André Jarlán Park.