Parque Cultural Ex-Cárcel - Historical Building Valparaíso - Chile

The ex-prison on top of Cerro Cárcel is perhaps one of the most characteristic sites in the city. Only recently did the space shift from being a place of confinement to being one of liberal expression and literal openness. In 1999 the prison permanently opened its cells and closed its doors, only to reopen as a public park and art museum a few years later. The graffiti murals covering this park are brilliant (even by Valparaíso standards), plays are performed each weekend in the large black box theater, and at any given time, you’ll find children playing soccer, locals going for a run in the main rec area, or acrobats taking workshops in a tucked away corner. The history of the space is fascinating, and tours, which are irregularly available, are often given by artists and ex-inmates.

The future of the cultural park, however, currently lies in limbo—a project has been proposed to convert the space into an official cultural center and theater.

Location:
Cerro Cárcel
Cerro Cárcel , Valparaíso , Chile

Historical Building Types:
Ex-prison

Getting There
You can either take the Reina Victoria elevator or follow calle Cumming up the hill from Plaza Amibal Pinto. You'll see signs along the way directing you to the ex-Cárcel.

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:Monday-Friday 9 a.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.

Open Hours to:Monday-Sunday: 7 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

Cerro Cárcel is right next to Cerro Panteon, which houses the city's most prestigious cemeteries, two Catholic and one Protestant

Contact Information:
Phone: (032) 258-567

About this Page

By Lauren Yero
I am a recent liberal arts graduate who travels as a compulsion. I have lived in several regions of the US as well as briefly abroad in England and...

Updated: 01 Aug 2008