Club de la Unión

The Club de la Unión

The Santiago audio-guided tour presents you with the Club de la Unión, a fine opulent building founded in 1864 to offer the aristocracy a meeting place worthy of the name. It is one of the emblematic buildings of the Bolsa district.

A high place of social life

From its opening, the club became the most important political and social centre of the country, intending to be a space of tolerance between men of different political currents. The present building dates from 1912, when the Augustinian nuns parcelled out their property. A competition was launched among the most prestigious architecture firms: the French architect Henri Grossin won it, but died shortly after in a plane accident, so that it was the project that came second that was realised. Listed as a historic monument in 1981, the club houses one of the largest private collections of books in the country.

What there is to see

The building, with its elegant façade, is one of the most representative of the modernity of Santiago at the beginning of the twentieth century. While it reserves for its members lounges, library and facilities, its architecture can be contemplated from the street. Its exceptional library can, on request, be the object of a visit. It is a testimony of the splendour and the social life of the Santiago of the past.

Practical information

The Club de la Unión is in the Bolsa district, in Santiago. A private club, its facilities are reserved for members; its façade can be contemplated from the street, on the level, and its library can be discovered on request, according to its own conditions.

When was the Club de la Unión founded?

In 1864, to offer the aristocracy a meeting place; the present building dates from 1912.

Can you visit the Club de la Unión?

Its facilities are reserved for members; its façade can be contemplated from the street and its library can be visited on request.