Museo Marítimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia
About This Museum
You simply can't find a museum like this anywhere else—it's a sprawling, historic prison complex where the walls themselves tell stories of explorers and inmates. Stepping inside feels like walking through a time capsule of Tierra del Fuego's past, where the lines between a maritime gateway and a place of confinement beautifully blur. The old cell blocks now host an incredible array of exhibits, from model ships to haunting prisoner artifacts. It’s this unique fusion of harsh history and seafaring adventure that makes it so utterly compelling.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the extensive gallery of ship models tracing regional naval history, the deeply moving Antarctic exploration exhibit with genuine equipment, and the preserved prison cells with their original graffiti. The collection of historic photographs showing Ushuaia's early days is also unforgettable.
Visitor Information
Give yourself a good few hours to wander; it's much bigger than it looks from the outside. The building can feel quite chilly, so dressing in layers is a smart move—you'll appreciate the warmth while reading all those fascinating stories.
Architecture & Building
The structure is the original, imposing panopticon-style prison built by inmates themselves in the late 19th century, featuring stark red brick facades and long, radiating cell blocks designed for constant surveillance.
