Chile's Museo Corbeta Esmeralda marks 15th anniversary as premier naval heritage site

The Museo Corbeta Esmeralda in Iquique, northern Chile, celebrated 15 years since its opening on 20 May 2011. Initiated by workers of the Collahuasi mining company as a Bicentennial project, the museum is administered by the Corporación Patrimonio Marítimo de Chile and showcases the Battle of Iquique through 13 immersive scenes and other interactive displays.

Since its inauguration the museum has attracted more than one million visitors, becoming a cultural, educational and tourist landmark in the Tarapacá region. The anniversary was marked by remarks from Admiral Juan Andrés de la Maza, president of the governing corporation, Collahuasi public‑affairs manager Luciano Malhue, and museum director Miguel Riquelme. A new book, "Historia del Museo Corbeta Esmeralda," was also launched to document the museum’s development and impact.