Pablo Neruda House Museum
Many of those who visit the Pablo Neruda House Museum often comment, jokingly or seriously: “If I had had the opportunity to live in this house I would have also written wonderful poems.” It is very true that the views towards the Pacific and the different collections of objects that occupy the house must have been a source of inspiration for Pablo Neruda, but without a doubt he was born with, and developed the genius of a poet, the same as makes him considered one of the most outstanding artists of the 20th century and deserving of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Later the organization will base this nomination with the following words “for a poetry that, with the action of an elemental force, gives life to the destiny and dreams of a continent.”
Pablo Neruda
was a poet and diplomat, he is still a poet for all those passionate readers who enjoy his poetry. As a diplomat he developed a long career, being appointed and sent to different parts of the world, as consul and ambassador, responsibilities that enriched his culture and love for objects belonging to the different places he lived and visited during his many travels. Some of their varied destinations were Burma, Singapore, Spain, France, Mexico, Argentina, among others.
He collected bottles, masks, figureheads, conch shells, insects, globes, maps… even friends, in a good way, the poet enjoyed social life.
The bar of his house was a meeting point for long gatherings with friends and intellectuals, both Chilean and from other parts of the world. The gatherings had different political colors; the fact that the poet was a member of the Communist Party never determined his friendships in an exclusive way. Neruda was very close to the Spanish writer García Lorca (who was murdered during the Spanish civil war), he was a friend (and enemy) of the Mexican poet Octavio Paz, and Pablo Picasso, among many prominent figures in the artistic world of the 20th century.
The house was built in a rather inorganic way and with the logic of a poet rather than that of an architect, although for each expansion he was advised by a professional. The construction was designed in relation to the sea, to the landscape, and this is demonstrated by the diagonal position in which Neruda installs the bed in his bedroom to enjoy the sunset from the best angle that the house allows. He arranged his house in such a way that the objects could also enjoy the views. The sea shell room is the exception to this rule, they live in a closed space (built later) that perhaps aims to transmit the atmosphere of the seabed.
In 1972, the poet resigned from his position as ambassador in France because he was ill with cancer and, for this reason, although the issue is still the subject of discussion, he died in 1973 under a dictatorial military regime that did not allow his body rest in peace in his home on Isla Negra as was his wish. Only in 1992, after the country returned to democracy, were his remains transferred, along with those of Matilde Urrutia, his last wife, to Isla Negra, as was always his manifest wish. Here it lies, for the eternity of time by the sea.
Craft Fair
On the outskirts of the House Museum, artisans have been setting up shop to exhibit and sell objects to take away as souvenirs. Special mention for a work by the first embroiderers of Isla Negra that is currently being exhibited at the Venice Art Biennale 2024. This creation, which was lost for more than 30 years, and which consists of a large-format cloth, embroidered on the 50s, is exhibited in a privileged place within the Biennial that allows visitors to delight in its freshness and color. This tradition has continued, being inherited among family members and disciples, who exhibit their works in the stands located on the side of the road.
Large format embroidery by the Isla Negra Embroidery Machines exhibited at the Venice Art Biennale, Italy. 2024
Nobel Restaurant :
The Gastronomic Summit of the Neruda & Coastal Treasures Tour
“I would eat the whole earth,
I would drink the whole sea…”
(The great Ocean, Canto General)
One of the most anticipated moments of the Neruda & Coastal Treasures Tour is the stopover at the Nobel Restaurant, a space located in front of the sea and next to Pablo Neruda’s House Museum. Nobel offers a unique gastronomic experience, inspired by the poet’s life both in Chile and abroad: a place where poetry merges with cuisine in a tribute to authentic flavors, tradition and creativity. The decoration creates an atmosphere that envelops the visitor in the Nerudian universe while enjoying an exquisite culinary proposal.
Inspira Expeditions passengers will be able to enjoy a three-course meal (starter, main course and dessert) that pays tribute to Neruda’s passion for good food and local culture. Nobel welcomes each diner with the same warmth and dedication with which the poet welcomed his friends. The “Caldillo de Congrio”, for example, is an authentic work of art, prepared with fresh conger eel, tomatoes, potatoes, onion and a touch of cream inspired by the flavors that Neruda discovered in La Provence.
A special chapter is the pisco sour, a house specialty, infused with herbs and fruits such as calafate, rosehip and rica rica. This cocktail celebrates Neruda’s exploratory spirit, inviting diners to discover new nuances in each sip. Nobel is an experience where memory and a taste for good food become a celebration of life and poetry, inviting passengers of Inspira Expeditions to be part of the very essence of Pablo Neruda.
