COMPLETION OF THE FACADE CONSERVATION WORK AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS IN SANTIAGO
In Santiago, Chile, the conservation work on the National Museum of Fine Arts have recently been completed, carried out for the Ministry of Education and the DIBAM (Directorate of Libraries, Archives and Museums). The building’s facades, declared a National Monument in 1976, are very exposed to the pollution of the big city and needed to be restored, respecting the aesthetic and historical values of the building, while preserving the original lime mortars and cement without painting the facade.
Washing and sand blasting work has been completed to remove the black crust from the facade and restore its natural appearance. Cracks and crevices have also been sealed to prevent water seepage. There have been volumetric reproductions of the balusters with plaster and silicone moulds, and the carpentry and glass have been restored and replaced. The works were completed with the chromatic harmonization and cleaning of the mosaics and other decorative elements, and, finally, a hydrophobic product was applied to the entire surface.
It is a project that has involved more than 100 people, with results that make this building shine once again as it preserves and disseminated the artistic heritage of the country.
