MNBA

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
The Chilean national museum of fine arts, inaugurated in 1910 is housed in this splendid building designed by a Chilean architect, Emile Jecquier, who was going through a bit of a phase of liking French design.
The interesting thing about it is that when Chile was very depressed and oppressed after the Pinochet regime, and the Chileans wouldn't say boo to a goose because they had become used to watching what they said for fear of finding themselves 'disappeared', the American photographer Spencer Tunick came to town. 
He is famous for his ability to persuade thousands of people to allow themselves to be photographed naked in public places. I didn't remember his name but I certainly remember seeing his photos. 
Apparently he wasn't actually breaking any law so couldn't be arrested so the authorities allowed him to go ahead thinking no one would turn up on a cold winter day. 
Four thousand brave souls came along shed their clothes and their inhibitions and the whole thing has been credited with changing the national psyche of Chileans. Some of his photos were taken in front of this building.
We found all this out from Jose our cycle tour guide today as we cycled around some of the impressive sights and sites of Santiago.
LooseCanon is blipping another interesting building designed by the same architect, but without the saucy history.

http://www.artnet.com/artists/spencer-tunick/santiago-uh1XN5GWSuM4L4UY4EoHMA2