To mark the occasion, the University of Chile has reopened an exhibition featuring over a thousand marine specimens donated to the institution by the writer himself, who collected them during his travels across various continents.
“The vast collection of seashells stands out for the variety of types, colors, and sizes, reflecting the author’s rigorous scientific interest,” stated a release from the university.
In addition to showcasing this biological and cultural treasure, the institution—also known as the “Casa de Bello”—will celebrate the centennial of three of the poet’s works.
The first is *Tentativa del hombre infinito* (Attempt of the Infinite Man), considered one of his most daring works, in which he breaks with linguistic conventions by completely dispensing with punctuation and capitalization.
Also marking their 100th anniversary are *El habitante y su esperanza* (The Inhabitant and His Hope), the only novel published by the Nobel laureate; and *Anillos* (Rings), written in collaboration with his friend Tomas Lago—a work of poetic prose that represents a radical shift toward expressionism in Chilean literature.
Ricardo Eliecer Neftali Reyes Basoalto, known worldwide as Pablo Neruda, is considered one of the most prolific and influential poets of the 20th century.
His best-known works include *Crepusculario* (Book of Twilight), *Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada* (Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair), and *Canto General*.
Beyond his writing, Neruda served as a senator, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Chile, and ambassador to France; he was also a presidential pre-candidate, a bid he withdrew in favor of Salvador Allende.
His work has been translated into approximately 35 languages and is studied at major universities and literary research centers.
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