The National Museum of Oriental Art (MNAO) aims to preserve and disseminate the material productions of Asian cultures.

It was created by Resolution No. 991, on July 14, 1965 and opened its doors to the public for the first time on August 5, 1966. Since then it has been temporarily installed in four rooms of the Errázuriz Alvear Palace, home to the National Museum of Art. Decorative.

Since 2001, it remains closed to the public, waiting for a definite and proper headquarters for its facilities.

Meanwhile, tasks of registration of collections, cataloging of the library, research and enhancement of the collections are carried out.

In addition, extramural exhibitions, conferences, courses and a specialized library service are offered.