Museo Marítimo y del Presidio - Museum Ushuaia - Argentina

For almost a half-century the hallways of this old prison housed Argentina’s criminals and political prisoners. Now the five-spoke penitentiary is not one museum, but six. The Museo Marítimo shows the progression of maps of Tierra del Fuego from the 16th century and scale models of ships that explored Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica. Museo del Presidio explains life in Argentina’s most notorious prison. The upstairs annex is a prison and police museum. To get a taste of what the jail was like, pavilion 1 has been kept in its original state. The Antarctica Museum graces the upper floor of another spoke. As if these weren’t enough, two art collections are housed here: a contemporary gallery and Argentina’s only maritime art collection.

Daily 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; guided tours 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Location:
Yaganes and Gobernador Paz
Ushuaia, Argentina

Museum

Getting There
The museum is in the naval base on Yaganes at the east end of Gobernador Paz.

Travel Tips: All exhibit explanations are in Spanish and English.

In the summer high season there are special tours in which visitors dress up as prisoners (Spanish only; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:15-9:30 p.m. Reservations: 43-6321. Entry: $17).

Price Description: General $12, students with ID $8.50, family ticket $17; discounts for Mercosur and Argentine citizens. Ticket good for two entries within 48 hours (ask to have it date-stamped).

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Don’t forget your camera – especially to take your photo in the prisoner cut-out or with some of the jail’s famous residents.

Hike in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, on other trails closer to the city or to Glaciar Martial. Take the Tren al Fin del Mundo to the national park. Visit the other museums or catch an event at one of the many cultural centers. Go out to Estancia Harberton or cruise the Beagle Channel. In winter, hit the slopes for a variety of snow sports.

Contact Information:
Phone: 43-7481
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.museomaritimo.com
URL: www.museomaritimo.com

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 27 Aug 2009