Top 5 Valdivia Art & Culture Spots: A Local’s Guide

Valdivia, you know, that beautiful city in southern Chile, it’s almost famous for its rivers and beer, but, actually, it has quite an amazing art and culture scene you’ll soon discover. That is to say, you wouldn’t believe the hidden gems it holds, if you ask me! Now, I thought I’d give you a list, so it’s basically a peek into my go-to spots, filled with history, art, and that unmistakable Valdivian vibe.

Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele (Maurice van de Maele Historical and Anthropological Museum)

This museum, like your grandma’s attic, you see, it’s just packed with all sorts of fascinating stuff. Essentially, it covers the history of the area, going way, way back to the indigenous inhabitants and then, you know, it goes through the German colonization period you should investigate further. So, what I love is, it gives you, more or less, a very decent idea of how Valdivia came to be what it is right now. Then, there’s cool artifacts, photographs that are quite amazing and documents that show everything, so it helps paint that picture!

That, as a matter of fact, also used to be a German house originally. The building gives you, really, a peek into how people lived back then, in some respects. So it enhances the whole experience, don’t you think? Very cool. This place is quite impressive; its a reminder of just the many chapters this amazing city has lived through.

Feria Fluvial (Riverside Market)

Okay, now the Feria Fluvial, that’s something, seriously! It’s almost not your typical market; it’s so much more than just a place to buy stuff. Now, what’s appealing to visitors, it’s like a living, breathing snapshot, well I think it shows what makes Valdivia, Valdivia if that makes sense. Now, there you’re getting everything, so local produce, you know, there are some amazing crafts, and you even see these, like, sea lions hanging around hoping for a snack – I mean, come on! Anyway, this vibrant spot isn’t only that, it is very appealing; you get an experience and not only a transaction!

I usually visit it at the weekends, where everything becomes super crowded. You, like your family, are definitely buying some fresh seafood, probably grab an empanada, and just stroll along the waterfront, watching boats pass and hearing stories, okay, the stories shared by vendors; it’s just fabulous! Definitely take the time to chat with locals; they really tend to know their history very well.

Centro Cultural Casa Prochelle I (Prochelle House Cultural Center I)

This is very important. If you appreciate visual storytelling, the Centro Cultural Casa Prochelle I is almost like going to Valdivia’s memory, to be honest. Actually, it used to be one of those traditional old homes, but is now the space they have devoted for celebrating everything regarding the artwork. Basically, there are shows that range everything, from photography exhibits, if you’re into that, paintings, sculptures, I think its definitely a showcase you shouldn’t miss.

Now, they always, really, tend to have something new and very stimulating going on, really. Also, that space typically runs workshops and different types of events; therefore it might be worthwhile just for a quick look, I would advise. Plus, well this part is quite attractive to visitors, the architecture gives you, perhaps, another taste of what life was way back when, what are you waiting for?!

Submarino O’Brien (O’Brien Submarine)

This isn’t exactly ‘art,’ you know, in the traditional sense, actually, it is history that’s both very interesting and tangible! This actual submarine, in short, it served in the Chilean Navy. Basically, you go and walk through it; that alone might be giving you a quite remarkable sense for how life would be, in some respects, for the crew sailing the seas in here. Anyway, the limited space and machinery all together might remind you that bravery definitely isn’t an exaggeration at that level for a warship!

What you would typically enjoy are tours of the submarine as guides tend to know loads of exciting details. I myself actually am fascinated every time they talk through missions that happened here! That type of artifact makes one very aware and more sympathetic when realizing sacrifices dedicated persons once put.

Cervecería Kunstmann (Kunstmann Brewery)

So, yeah, okay, so maybe it’s a brewery! I get it! But trust me, yet it embodies Valdivian culture. See, the Kunstmann Brewery actually makes some of the best beer in Chile, basically, with the recipes passed over from, who else, German immigrants of course. The setting, which is so rustic, like your Dad’s barn kind of appearance is almost as much of a charm, frankly. I should really dive deep next time I get the chance!

Besides simply sampling craft beers and food pairing; they, like you, typically host parties from time to time with music to appreciate with new company. Therefore there is opportunity connecting right where the atmosphere remains pleasant along. If nothing, just see; how history in cultural celebration gets so integrated, in my opinion, in almost any expression! As I was saying earlier on!