Renovation project: Alhambra Palace conference room. Santiago. Chile

Abstract

The La Alhambra Palace in Santiago, Chile—built in the mid-19th century as a replica of the original in Spain and designed by Manuel Aldunate—is today a designated National Monument. Since 1918, the building has housed the National Society of Fine Arts, a non profit organization dedicated to disseminating and promoting the fine arts—particularly the visual arts—within the community. The Society pursues these goals through painting workshops known as “Salons,” which are open to both domestic and international artists and held year-round, as well as through various workshops teaching diverse painting techniques. However, the deterioration of the Salon spaces began to limit the work conducted there; furthermore, structural and construction-related assessments revealed the need for significant changes and restoration. Following these evaluations, a phased, area-specific plan was developed, leading to gradual interventions aimed at the building’s recovery and rehabilitation.

This article summarizes the project to restore the palace, recover its heritage elements, and fit out an exhibition hall—work carried out during the first half of 2026 with funding from the Presidency of the Republic.