Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago facts for kids
The Palacio de la Real Audiencia de Santiago is an important building in Santiago, Chile. You can find it in the main square, called Plaza de Armas. This historic palace was built a long time ago, in 1808. Today, it is home to the National History Museum of Chile, which opened there in 1982.
History of the Palace
This grand building was constructed between 1804 and 1807. Its first purpose was to house the royal courts of justice. These courts were like the main legal offices for the area.
The palace was designed by Juan Goycolea. He was a student of a famous architect named Joaquin Toesca. Toesca also designed other important buildings in Santiago, like the La Moneda Palace.
From Courts to Government Seat
The royal courts used the building for only two years. In 1810, a group called the government junta met there. This group was formed to take over from the Spanish governor. It was a big step towards Chile's independence.
Eight years later, in 1818, Chile officially declared its independence. The Palacio de la Real Audiencia became a very important place. It was where the new Chilean congress first met. This made it the center of the new government.
The palace served as the main seat of government until 1846. That year, President Manuel Bulnes moved the government offices to La Moneda Palace.
Chilean National History Museum
Today, the Palacio de la Real Audiencia is home to the Chilean National History Museum. Its name in Spanish is Museo Histórico Nacional, or MHN for short. The museum was officially started on May 2, 1911.
The museum uses the old rooms of the palace as its exhibition spaces. Here, you can see many objects from Chile's past. The collection includes items from everyday life. You might find old women's clothing, sewing machines, furniture, and other decorative pieces. These items help tell the story of how people lived in Chile throughout history.
