Museums in Ushuaia: what to see?

Museums in Ushuaia

In the center of the Fuegian capital, you can discover the history of Tierra del Fuego by visiting the following places:

Museo del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Museum)

This museum has two locations: the main building is on Avenida Maipú 173, in the former Banco Nación building. The annex is three blocks away on the same street (Maipú 465), in the building that once housed the old Government House and Legislature.

The exhibitions cover the history of Tierra del Fuego, from the life of native peoples and the first European expeditions to the settlers, sailors, and adventurers who contributed to the island’s development. The museum houses archaeological remains, reproductions of indigenous utensils, 19th-century photographs and documents related to scientific expeditions and shipwrecks, as well as an extensive bird collection from the area.

Local Ushuaia history also has its space, with collections of objects and memorabilia belonging to pioneers who arrived on the island between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A highly recommended visit for those who wish to learn more about the protagonists of Tierra del Fuego’s history.

Museo Marítimo y Ex Presidio de Ushuaia (Maritime Museum and Former Prison)

A significant part of Ushuaia’s history is related to its past as a penal colony. Construction of the building began in 1902, using prison labor. The Military Prison and Reoffenders’ Jail operated until 1947. During its decades in service, the inmates’ forced labor supplied the town with firewood, stones, and construction materials, for which they traveled the route now recreated by the End of the World Train.

The prison was the setting for many stories that survived its closure. Notable figures imprisoned here include journalist and writer Ricardo Rojas, Ukrainian-born anarchist Simón Radowitsky, and serial killer Cayetano Santos Godino, popularly known as “El Petiso Orejudo”.

This harsh period of Fuegian history is recreated today in the historic wing of the museum, open to the public. Visitors can walk through the narrow, cold cells and learn about the harsh conditions prisoners endured. Ushuaia’s prison was nicknamed the “Argentine Alcatraz,” in reference to its sinister and remote reputation.

In addition to prison history, the building also houses exhibits dedicated to maritime explorations, shipwrecks, and expeditions in Tierra del Fuego and the South Atlantic. Native peoples also have a dedicated space, with models of their boats and tools.

The Maritime Museum and Prison is located within a compound belonging to the Argentine Navy, where the Ushuaia Naval Base operates.

City Museum

The life of the pioneers is exhibited through displays of stories, memories, and objects belonging to the first settlers who established themselves in Ushuaia.

This museum is located in the former residence of the Pena family, at Av. Maipú and Pluschow. It is part of the “Old Town Project” (Proyecto Pueblo Viejo), which seeks to preserve and promote local historical heritage.

Casa Beban Museum

The residence that once belonged to Don Fortunato Beban, a Fuegian pioneer, is now an exhibition center. Manufactured in Sweden, the prefabricated house was shipped and arrived at Ushuaia’s dock in 1902. Its original location was on Av. Maipú between 9 de Julio and Juan Manuel de Rosas streets.

Today it stands at Paseo de las Rosas (Av. Maipú and Pluschow) and is open to the public as part of the “Old Town Project.”

Pensar Malvinas Museum

Inaugurated on April 2, 2012, in the Torres house located in the Old Town sector of Paseo de las Rosas, this museum displays photographs, informative panels, and historical items related to the 1982 Falklands War.

Ushuaia: 2-night traditional program

A great program to enjoy the best of Ushuaia, the city of the end of the world in two nights

Nights: 2

Ushuaia

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Book a City Tour and visit a museum

A different way to get to know Ushuaia, its corners, and its history is to take a guided city tour and add a museum to the visit. Check the image below and book with us!