'Viajando a la Luna' Workshop

Within the framework of ‘De la Luna al museo’ exhibition, where original lunar rocks are on display, Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum together with the Museo Nacional de Historia Natural (National Natural History Museum) and the Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio invite you to take part in the 5^th edition of ‘VIajando a la Luna’ workshop. Its main aim is to foster an up-to-date, didactic view of the 7 Apollo missions, the details of the space travels, and the importance of rockets on them. Registrations here.

The ‘Viajando a la Luna’ workshop will be headed by the writer, scientific reporter, astronomy specialist, teacher and the man in charge of basic astronomy courses, Jorge Ianiszewski. In addition to, he is the ‘Círculo Astronómico’ website designer and editor, and ‘Guía de los cielos australes’ book author, which is already in its 3^rd edition.

This activity includes three levels where children could: 1) See a rocket launch. 2) Get into a room called ‘Sala Espacio’ where kids will be able to understand the functioning of a spacecraft and the stages of the first moon landing through didactic figures. 3) Get to know the last photographs of the lunar panorama revealed by NASA.

‘From the Moon to the Museum’

The lunar rocks

This temporary exhibition is located within a giant rocket –similar to the ones used by NASA- with fragments of lunar rocks donated to Chile by the U.S. government after Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 missions, currently becoming part of the Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum and Museo Nacional de Historia Natural collection respectively. In 2009, both institutions joined to bring to life a unique exhibition that will be on display for free until April 2012 at Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio.

For further information call (+562) 881 86 74 or contact us at: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl

We welcome your support and help spreading the word.

Display items

Part of the current collection kept by the only House Museum dedicated to a former president, lets us glimpse the deep transformations the country lived during Eduardo Frei Montalva’s administration (1964 – 1970). One of these objects is the commemorative scissors used to launch El Teniente deposit, kept by the former president in a special display at the library of the first floor, place known as ‘La Moneda Chica’.

Historically, the Nationalization of Chilean Copper –together with the ‘Reforma Agraria’ (Agrarian Reform) and ‘Promoción Popular’ (Social Promotion)- marked a significant change in social and economic terms. The final aim of this measure was to get the government involved in the exploitation and commercialization of this precious mineral from Chile, along with improving the quality of life for country’s miners and their families.

Eduardo Frei Montalva inaugurating Minera Andina

“If agriculture is and is meant to be able to ensure life in peace and independence, mining is and is meant to be the decisive instrument in our battle through world markets; (…) Besides the effort implied when trying to feed ourselves, there is no existent media as dramatic, important and deep to take over our development as mining exportation” stated Eduardo Frei Montalva with conviction from the times of his presidential candidacy (1).

The former president went through the country on many occasions, communicating his government’s plans and observing on site, the profound transformations Chile was experiencing during his mandate. As a result of this vision, some of the established goals in his government regarding to extraction, manufacture, and commercialization of copper were:

• The widest possible participation of Chilean government in the increase of production.
• To ensure the maximum employment for Chileans workers involved in the copper industry, as well as ensuring the conditions of justice, safety and welfare.
• Trade of the precious mineral with all the countries around the globe, without any other limitation than the interest Chile may have.

In order to materialize the aforementioned process during his mandate, the following legislations were enacted: ‘Chileanisation of Copper’ (1966) and ‘Agreed-upon Nationalization’ (1967). This situation triggered a two-phase process that changed the copper industry at a national level, which continues to influence it up to today.

The first stage counted on the creation of Corporación del Cobre (precursor of the current Codelco), institution responsible for supervising the production and international sale, representing Chile in Sociedades Mineras Mixtas (Mixed Mining Join-stock Company). In order to be classified as a mixed join-stock company, the government had to acquire at least a 25% stake.

Commemorative plaque given by Chuquicamata miners

The second stage started to be implemented in 1969, where the Chilean government purchased 51% of the shares in the American company called ‘Anaconda Company’, which covered Chuquicamata, El Salvador, and Potrerillos mines.

When Eduardo Frei Montalva left office, the Chilean government played a decisive role in the direction, commercialization, and refining of Chilean copper. These interventions regarded the technical and commercial conditions of the world market, and also brought about a substantial increase in copper production from 617,000 tones in 1964 to 1,000,000 tones in 1970.

We invite you to get to know part of the gifts given to the former president by mining deposits, connecting us with the deep transformations the country experienced in economical, political, and social terms as the ‘Chilenisation of Copper’.

• Tours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 hrs – 06:00 hrs.
• Address: 683 Hindenburg, Barrio Italia, Providencia
• Phone: (02) 881 86 74
• Email: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl
• Object of the month: Free entrance
• Access to the House Museum: Adults CLP$ 1,300 | Students, children, and seniors CLP$ 700.

(1) Comando Nacional Candidatura Eduardo Frei Montalva. Chile 1964-1970. Santiago, 1964. p.  26

One of the twelve engravings by Guayasamín

The exhibition which reveals the relationship between art and politics during the 60s in Chile will be part of the 2012 Arts Festival in Valparaíso, which will be held in the said city from Thursday the 26th through Sunday the 29th, January.

This is the first regional itinerancy, Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum along with El Farol room along with the Outreach Center from University of Valparaíso exhibit Oswaldo Guayasamín’s original engravings, given to the former President during his visit to Chile in 1969 on the occasion of his exhibition “La Edad de la Ira” at the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts.

During the said occasion the artist painted in only two hours the portrait of Eduardo Frei Montalva that today takes part of the permanent painting collection in the House Museum located in Santiago, whose replica could be also appreciated during this exhibition.

“Getting closer to regions for the first time and with this exhibition that was so successful in Santiago presents a great satisfaction for us. You may find art, culture and history all in the same place in this exhibition” states Maite Gallego, Deputy Director of Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum.

Portrait of Eduardo Frei M. Guayasamín (1969)

“For University of Valparaíso, whose aim is contributing to the culture development, it is remarkable to bring this exhibition to the Valparaíso region. Thanks to such activities it is that our institution accomplishes its public and state-owned university mission, which bringing culture to the community” affirms David Carillo, Director of Outreach and Communications at University of Valparaíso.

The twelve engravings were done at the Inti Cori Studio in Quito, in October, 1968 and belong to a limited edition of 300 numbered copies signed by the Ecuadorian artist.

Guayasamín’s visit to Chile during the late 1960s was the result of an invitation made by the Government of Chile, headed by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabriel Valdés S. during Eduardo Frei Montalva’s administration.

Temporary exhibition “Guayasamín en Chile, 1969”

• 3 through 29 January.
• Free entrance
• Address: 1113 Blanco Street, Valparaíso.
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 11:00 am-7:00 pm. Saturday 28  and Sunday 29 11:00 am-2:00 pm.
• Phones: (032) 2507653 – (02) 881 86 74

Casa Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva

On Friday 16^th December, symbolic cultural locations of Barrio Italia, Bellas Artes, Matucana, and República neighborhoods will be opening to the public for free from 18:00 to 00:00 hrs. This initiative seeks to bring all the community into closer contact with heritage, culture, and visual arts.

• Barrio Italia (Providencia)

On the occasion of this year’s centenary celebration of the birth of Eduardo Frei Montalva, his house (that was turned into a museum) invites you to wander its two stories that gathers over 350 objects belonging to former President, and a rich collection of Chilean painting. It is sure to be an inviting experience to revisit the ‘60s. Casa Museo Eduardo Frei Montalva (Metro Salvador, L1, Metro Santa Isabel, L5).

Two collective exhibitions will take place some few steps away from the Casa Museo (House-Museum). The first exhibition shall be undertaken by Galería Die Ecke (1208 José Manuel Infante Avenue) displaying a selection of the year’s best works and major works by Johanna Unzueta, Catalina Bauer, Isidora Correa, Julen Birke, Nicolás Rupcich, Alejandra Prieto, Francisca Benítez, among others. The second exhibition is to be held at Galería Florencia Loewenthal (934 Álvarez Condarco St.), and is considered to surprise with the exhibition project “Volume II: Canciones de amor y otras pasiones de origen romántico,” along with Gabriella Dobo, Marcos Sánchez, and Paula Dittborn’s works.

Continuing along José Manuel Infante Street at no.1428, Galería Yono shall inaugurate a Paula de Solminihac’s exhibition.

Sala Arte Fundación Telefónica, within the framework of the celebration of its fifteen years, shall exhibit “Picasso: La Belleza Múltiple” (Picasso: The Multiple Beauty) at Plaza Italia. This exhibition – which is the world’s largest exhibition of this kind ever held– comes to South America for the first time and comprises more than 70 original etchings, engravings, and lithographies of the said artist. These works were developed between 1904 and 1971, capturing the different techniques and stages of the Picassian expression. 111 Providencia Avenue.

Exhibition at Benjamín Vicuña Mackena Museum

Only a couple of blocks away, Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna Museum will offer opera selections at 20:00 hrs. and 21:00 hrs., a perfect occasion to pamper yourself with viceregal music. Both shows will be performed by the Amicus choir and the Marcelo Olivari Music Academy. Moreover, the Temporary Collective Exhibition called “Extramuros” will be open to the public.

Guided tours will also be carried out to the permanent exhibition and the original, recently restored library that belonged to Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna. 94 Vicuña Mackenna Avenue.

• Barrio Bellas Artes – Lastarria (Downtown Santiago)

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Fine Arts Museum): the exhibition “Matta 100” and the documentary called “Centenario”, among other exhibitions. Parque Forestal Avenue.

A special activity undertaken by Plop! Galería shall surprise the public by focusing on René Ríos Oettinger, who was also known as Pepo, a key figure of the Latin American comic strips.

Museo de las Artes Visuales, MAVI (Visual Arts Musem). Winners of the 6th Art Contest for Youngsters called “Cabeza de Ratón,” José Victorino Lastarria.

Centro Gabriela Mistral, GAM. Part of the programme includes the exhibition of “Informe País” (contemporary art) and “Tesoros Chilenos” (folk art). 227 Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Avenue.

GAM. Photo taken by Jorge Sánchez

Centro de Extensión UC shall exhibit “El arte de Andy Warhol,” work by the outstanding American artist well-known by his contributions to Pop Art. 390 Alameda Street.

• Barrio República (Downtown Santiago)

Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende (Salvador Allende Solidarity Museum) shall be exhibiting “Pecio” and “Relatos Archivados.“ 475 República Street.

• Barrio Matucana

Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Memory and Human Rights Museum) shall present a play called “Altazor” at 21:00 hrs. 501 Matucana Avenue.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, MAC (Contemporary Art Museum) exhibits “Imagen Local” and the play called “Casa Vacía” from 19:00 hrs. onwards. 464 Matucana Avenue.

Centro Cultural Matucana 100 (Matucana 100 Cultural Center) shall hold the project called “Colección de imágenes”. 100 Matucana Avenue.

A telescopes setup will be carried out by Planetario (planetary) in its esplanade between 20:00 and 23:00 hrs. Pre-registrations at contactoplanetario@usach.cl. 3349 Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Avenue.

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Old telephone the former President acquired

Among the most unknown aspects about Eduardo Frei Montalva were his peculiar aesthetic curiosity and the time he used to spend decorating his house. Indeed, keeping a cozy atmosphere at the different resting, work, and meeting places was important for him. These details are clearly reflected in the House-Museum’s furniture, private works of art collection, engravings, and decor items.

The desk and library of the house that sheltered Eduardo Frei for over forty years bear witness to the taste for historicist styles, standing out the English George IV Mahogany Canterbury Music Stand, together with the Portuguese Neo-baroque Carved Jacaranda Desk. The latter was acquired –in a poor state– in an antiquary located at San Pablo Street getting to Matucana Street. However, the former president had the vision to restore it and fix it. Currently, it is one of the most admired objects at the House-Museum.

Eduardo Frei Montalva with his family in "La Moneda Chica"

At his Library –meeting point and reception hall for authorities-, which was well-known as the “Moneda Chica” (Small Mint Palace), a Louis Philippe Mahogany Veneered Cabinet Secretaire stands out, where the original old telephone is -object to be especially exhibited for the first time during November-.

However, where do these hobbies and good taste come from? It is said that the former president was a frequent visitor of antiquaries, and it is also said he was advised by Ramón Eyzaguirre, auctioneer of a famous auction house founded in 1890 in Santiago. He also stored objects that could possibly like him.

Furthermore, the travels through Europe, the United States, and different Latin-American countries during his term as a Senator –and during his subsequent presidency- became also an opportunity to acquire different décor objects and heritage items. These items were given by other heads of state and can be observed in the House-Museum together with original engravings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi –famed eighteenth-century Italian engraver-. On the other hand, religious figures from Quito reveal the interest shown by Eduardo Frei Montalva in the different artistic expressions.

Old telephone in the library

Eduardo Frei Montalva House-Museum invites you to experience this “Object of the month” that will give you an insight into the artistic and cultural facet of the former President, which is reflected in the choice of his most private objects.

• Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs.
• Address: Hindenburg 683 Street, Barrio Italia, Providencia
• Telephone Number:  (02) 881 86 74
• E-mail: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl
• Object of the month: Free entrance.
• Admission Fee: CLP$1300 general public – CLP$700 students, children and seniors.
• All the House-Museum tours are guided.

Children visiting the exhibition

A giant rocket with original moon rocks is part of one of the exhibitions organized by the National Museum of Natural History together with Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum, and scheduled for the 2009-2010 period. However, due to the serious structural damage suffered by the museum located in the Parque Quinta Normal (Quinta Normal Park), the exhibition had to be relocated for visitation purposes.

“The National Museum of Natural History takes pride in sharing this exhibition along with the National Aeronautics and Space Museum, considering that this topic, in particular, is related to aerospace technology and the conquest of this new frontier”, the Museum’s Director, Claudio Gómez, affirms.

During this temporary exhibition, visitors will be able to enter a structure simulating a NASA rocket, which emulates a lunar-like experience. The exhibition is rounded out by photographs detailing Man landing on the moon in chronological order, together with videos from the United Sates National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Moon rock fragments

“41 years after the moon landing, Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum is proud to take part in this exhibition, placing part of its collection at the service of the community. The moon rock fragments, collected in the first trip to the moon, were donated to Chile in 1970, and were preserved attentively and carefully by Frei Montalva during his administration” adds Magdalena Frei, Director of the Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum.

The Eduardo Frei Montalva House Museum and the National Museum of Natural History are the only two official institutions preserving moon rock fragments in Chile, donated by the United States government in 1970 and 1975, respectively.

The exhibition will be available for visitation, free of charge, from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission to the Museum will be until 17:00.

Location: Museo Nacional Aeronáutico y del Espacio (National Aeronautics and Space Museum). Av. Pedro Aguirre Cerda Ave. N° 5000, Los Cerrillos.

Phone: (56-02) 435 30 30. Extension: 10 or 18.

Web Sites:  http://www.mnhn.cl,   http://www.casamuseoeduardofrei.cl,   http://www.museoaeronautico.cl/espanol/home

“Microbios”, "micro-documentaries of Chilean filmmakers

“Microbios”, a series of micro-documentaries, shows the realities of different characters. A trumpeter, a motorcycle restorer, a visual artist, and industrial designers are some of the principal characters that have different realities but have something in common: a passion for their job. The work of Productora Planta will be exhibited in the multimedia room of the House Museum, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A free pass will be available. The Address is Hindenburg Street 683, Providencia.

This Cultural Circuit is the third massive activity that Project Barrio Italia organized. Four circuits integrate the initiative: Heritage, Design & Shopping, Gastronomic, and Cultural. The first Saturday of each month, one of the circuits organizes these activities that up to date have gathered more than 4.000 people.

The schedule for this Saturday, July 2nd, starts at 11 a.m. with the opening of shops, galleries, coffeehouses, and restaurants. Then at 11.30 a.m., the organization Cultura Mapocho will start from the House Museum a heritage and cultural circuit for some of the galleries and coffeehouses of the neighborhood.

Later, at 2 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy in the Trece Art Gallery the last day of the exhibition “Pintores en su tinta 2”, where people can appreciate the works of Samy Benmayor, Carlos Maturana (Bororo), Matías Pinto D’Aguilar, and Pablo Domínguez. Address: Girardi 1480, Providencia.

Activities will continue at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. exhibiting five micro-documentaries, part of “Microbios” produced by Productora Planta. House Museum Eduardo Frei Montalva.

Shops, galleries, and coffeehouses will close their doors at 7 p.m., but activities will continue on SOFA (an art promotion society) with an activity called “Arte al borde”, where a tribute exhibition to Claudio Bravo will be inaugurated. This activity will include honorary wine, music, poetry, and performances. Address: Santa Isabel 015, Providencia.

For more information, visit www.barrioitalia.cl

The Schedule for this Saturday July 2nd is:

11 a.m. Opening of Shops, Galleries, Coffeehouses, and Restaurants and “Niños Pintan a su Pinta”.

11.30 a.m. A circuit led by “Cultura Mapocho” that will start from The House Museum Eduardo Frei Montalva. Address: Hindenburg 683. You will visit:

•Die Ecke art gallery: ” EX: EX”/Isidora Correa. José Manuel Infante 1208.

•Bovary coffeehouse: “Al Fuego Mandan Tocar”/KaeLazo. Julio Prado 1252.

•Uniacc art gallery: exhibition of Visual Art School. Salvador 1255.

•Piloto art gallery: “Joyas del Apocalipsis” / Collective “No Más Clavos”. Tegualda 1462.

Trece art gallery: “Pintores en su Tinta 2″/ Benmayor, Bororo, Pinto D`Aguilar y Domínguez.

2 p.m. Art, Live Music and a Cocktail that includes Peruvian food tasting of Gran Chimú Restaurant. The last day of the exhibition “Pintores en su Tinta 2″. Trece art gallery. Address: Girardi 1480.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Rotating Exhibition of micro-documentaries called “Microbios, part of Urban Micro Biographies, produced by Productora Planta and directed by Joaquín Mora, www.productoraplanta.cl. It will be also a tasting of products of Bovary coffeehouse in the House Museum Eduardo Frei Montalva. Address: Hindenburg Street 683.

7 p.m. Shops, Galleries and Coffeehouses will close their doors.

Beginning at 7 p.m. “Arte al Borde” in SOFA, which is an Art Promotion Society. Inauguration of the tribute exhibition to Claudio Bravo, called “Hiperrealismo” of Boris Correa. There also will be Music, Poetry and Performances. Address: Santa Isabel 0151.

The Barrio Italia Project is a cultural communal initiative which gives value and promotes this traditional and quaint neighborhood, where you can find nowadays antique shops, design shops, galleries and art workshops, restaurant and even a museum.

We are waiting for you!

Luis XVI teacup and Etruscan amphora

Due to activities related to the commemoration of the centennial birth of the former president Eduardo Frei Montalva (where some of his multiple facets will be highlighted) two objects will be exhibit this month that represents the presidential tour and the international bond that Eduardo Frei Montalva conducted during his government. Eduardo Frei Montalva was the first Chilean and Latin-American president who conducted a presidential tour in Western Europe.

On June 30, 1965, the President and his retinue, led by Gabriel Valdés, Minister of Foreign Affairs, started his tour in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil where he gather with the respective head of governments. Then, he crossed the Atlantic in order to visit Italy, Vatican City, France, England and Germany. In that time, this trip was a whole novelty considering that trips were shorts and sporadic.

During the tour, Eduardo Frei Montalva not only met the most important leader of Europe but also signed several cooperation agreements and approached to important financial and industrial institutions. In addition, he received a Luis XVI teacup for traveling, which was a gift from the French president, Charles de Gaulle, and a precious Etruscan amphora of Campinia from III century B.C., given during his visit to the agricultural premises in Maccarese, Italy, where he got to know Italian farmers and he had the opportunity to knew further about the Land Reform of that country.

Both gifts are located in the House Museum’s sitting room in a showcase specially made for Eduardo Frei Montalva. Currently, these objects are part of the permanent collection of the House Museum.

Eduardo Frei M. with Queen Elizabeth II, 1965

The main object of this significant tour for Eduardo Frei Montalva was to make his government agenda, “Revolution in Liberty”, a model for other countries of the continent and also to increase the interest of Europe for Latin-American countries. The press of that time highlighted the presidential tour of Eduardo Frei Montalva, The Times of London said: “It is reasonable that Eduardo Frei, Chilean President, make in this moment a state visit to Great Britain, since he is, nowadays, the most important politician of Latin-America (…) This can be geographically seen in his desire for Chile and his neighbors getting both economical and political collaboration, not only from the United States, but also from Europe”.

After being approximately a month abroad, Eduardo Frei Montalva arrived to Chile and a mass of people received him and accompanied him toward the Presidential Palace.

We invite you to remind the first approaches from Chile, as a nation, to Europe throughout these objects with a great historical value and heritage.

Address: Hindenburg Street 683, Barrio Italia, Providencia.

For more information please call: (02) 881 86 74

Or email us at: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl

Postage Stamp. Commemorating EFM

The postage stamp “100 years from the birthday of Eduardo Frei Montalva” shows the former president in sepia tones, a design that makes the picture look warm and antique, with a cream-coloured frame.

The new postage stamp -which can be visited in the central hall of the House Museum- was launched on May 6th of 2011 in the patrimonial building CorreosChile, entity that made this recognition after considered Eduardo Frei Montalva one of the most influent people of the twentieth century in the history of our country.

Even though most of the Presidents of the Republic have been recognized with a postage stamp from 1916, including Eduardo Frei Montalva in 1990; only two have a commemorative postage stamp for their centennial: Salvador Allende G. (2008) and now Eduardo Frei M. (2011). As a historical anecdote, the first national postage stamp was printed in London in 1853.

Commemorative postage stamps are made when an institution or a particular event is created, or when they celebrate their anniversary. During Eduardo Frei Montalva’s government, more than ten different postage stamps were created, of which we highlight one of 1968 of the Chilean Land Reform, two years after the Chilean Nationalization of Copper, and a postage stamp of 1995 that was made to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Chilean Land Reform Stamp

The exhibition of this new object of the month, is one of the most special activities that the House Museum Eduardo Frei Montalva has scheduled for this year 2011, in order to commemorate the centennial of the former president. An essayist, writer, columnist, leader of opinion, father, congressman, President… many are the facets we would like to highlight this year. We invite you to participate in our activities, among the ones we recommend you the re-launching of two of his books, education programs for citizens, itinerancies between Santiago and Regions, literary contests and the exhibition of our object of the month.

For those who want to have the postage stamp “100 years from the birthday of Eduardo Frei Montalva”, please go to CorreosChile, in Main Square 989, Santiago. For further information, please click here.

We are waiting for you!

Address: Hindenburg Street 683, Barrio Italia, Providencia.

For more information please call: (02) 881 86 74

Or email us at: contacto@casamuseoeduardofrei.cl