The construction of an 
Antarctic Center, is an emblematic challenge for Chile that seeks to be a world reference in science and innovation.
Antarctic Center, is an 
emblematic challenge for 
Chile that seeks to be a world reference in 
science and innovation.About the CAI
The International Antarctic Center, CAI, from its formulation to the final design, seeks to strengthen the city of Punta Arenas as a gateway to Antarctica, transforming the region and the country into a reference in the international Antarctic context.
The basic concept was to generate a building that contains three of the main functions that link Antarctica with the rest of the world:
- Antarctic Science
- Antarctic Logistics
- Antarctic Knowledge Promotion
Objectives of the International Antarctic Center
The CAI is intended to be a space dedicated to science and international cooperation, the symbol of a forward-looking Antarctic policy, prepared for the challenges and opportunities of research and tourism in the area.
To increase the permanence of national and international scientists in Magallanes, transforming the region into a world-class scientific development pole.
01
Increase the economic impact of Antarctic activity.
02
Strengthen the presence of national scientific programs from 22 countries, deepening their linkage with local service
03
Promote the development of a cultural identity linked to Antarctica, valuing the historical, natural and cultural heritage of our region (Chile, an Antarctic country).
04
Areas of the International Antarctic Center
The CAI is intended to be a space dedicated to science and international cooperation, the symbol of a forward-looking Antarctic policy, prepared for the challenges and opportunities of research and tourism in the area.
It aims to build solid groups of researchers integrated to global scientific networks, which seeks to increase its own capacity for advanced research, by setting up about twenty laboratories, based on four thematic areas:
Ice, ocean and atmosphere
Ecology and evolution of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments.
Geology, paleontology and paleoclimate
Biotechnology
This area is exclusively for visitors, with various interactive spaces and air-conditioned rooms that simulate the experience of living in a polar environment. In addition, there will be aquariums with Antarctic and sub-Antarctic species, together with a dinosaur park, a planetarium and a unique living reproduction of the Antarctic forest that existed millions of years ago.
With visitors’ comfort in mind, the center will have two cafeterias, a souvenir store, an auditorium with a capacity for 600 people and parking for vehicles and bicycles.
The project includes laboratories in the areas of ice, atmosphere and ocean; ecology and evolution; and geology, paleontology and climate, with their respective storage areas, collections and a multipurpose laboratory with a refrigeration room.
This is expected to serve half a thousand researchers from the National Antarctic Science Program, as well as scientists from other international programs.
The proximity of this building to the Mardones dock will enhance the logistical activities that can be provided to the National Antarctic Programs of the countries that develop activities in Antarctica from Chile. There will be spaces for the support of expeditions, such as storage and handling areas, maneuvering area on the pier, heliport, loading and unloading of trucks and warehouses.
The CAI Antarctic Forest is expected to have an area of 1,000 square meters where it is estimated that more than 1,000 plants of 34 different species that once inhabited Antarctica will live.
Its main objective is to make known the unknown natural history of the South America-Antarctic connection, a once “green” territory with lush, dense forests and inhabited by dinosaurs, small mammals, birds, insects and other primitive animals of the Cretaceous.
The first species are currently growing in the nursery of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) in the southern sector of Punta Arenas.
This project began to take shape during the Antarctic Scientific Expedition 54 (2017-2018). At that time, two twin aquariums are created: the first one is installed at the base “Professor Julio Escudero”, in King George Island, and the second one works in Punta Arenas.
The objective is to create a prototype for the storage of species, to test the culture systems, the diets of the species, the ways to obtain them and the transportation from Antarctica to Punta Arenas and to be able to keep them in captivity. This project will gradually become more complex until it generates a breeding or maintenance area for larger species, to supply the aquariums of the International Antarctic Center in the future.
