Museo del Fin del Mundo | Punta Arenas

Museo del Fin del Mundo – "Museum of the End of the World"

Overview

The Museo del Fin del Mundo (Museum of the End of the World) is a history and natural heritage museum located in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. It showcases the history, indigenous cultures, maritime exploration, and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in the region’s unique past and environment.

Location & How to Get There

📍 Av. Maipú 173, Ushuaia, Argentina
🚶 Walking: Easily accessible from downtown Ushuaia, near the port.
🚗 By Car: Street parking available nearby.

History of the Museum

• Opened in 1979, the museum is housed in a former bank building from the early 20th century.
• Dedicated to preserving the history of Tierra del Fuego, from its indigenous peoples to European explorers.
• Expanded with a second building, the Antigua Casa de Gobierno, to showcase additional historical exhibits.

Main Exhibits & Attractions

1. Indigenous Cultures of Tierra del Fuego 🏹

• Features artifacts and stories of the Selk’nam (Ona), Yámana (Yaghan), and Haush peoples.
• Displays traditional canoes, weapons, and clothing used by these indigenous groups.
• Documents their way of life before European colonization.

2. Maritime Exploration & Shipwrecks 🚢

• Chronicles early explorers like Ferdinand Magellan, Charles Darwin, and Captain FitzRoy.
• Showcases historical maps, navigation tools, and ship models.
• Exhibits artifacts from shipwrecks that occurred in the treacherous waters of the Beagle Channel.

3. Wildlife of Tierra del Fuego 🦅

• Displays a collection of taxidermy animals, including albatrosses, condors, sea lions, and Fuegian foxes.
• Information on penguins, whales, and other marine species found in the region.

4. Post Office Exhibit & Historic Letters 📜

• Includes letters and documents from early settlers and explorers.
• Features the post office history of Ushuaia, one of the southernmost in the world.

5. Pirate & Smuggling History 🏴‍☠️

• Explores the legends of pirates, smugglers, and illegal traders in Tierra del Fuego.
• Exhibits confiscated weapons, coins, and artifacts from maritime crimes.

6. The Antigua Casa de Gobierno 🏛️ (Annex Building)

• Former Government House of Tierra del Fuego, now part of the museum.
• Displays historic photographs, furniture, and official documents from Ushuaia’s past.

Visitor Information

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Typically Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Hours may vary seasonally).
  🎟️ Entrance Fee:
• Affordable ticket prices, with discounts for students and seniors.
• Some days offer free entry for local residents.
  📷 Photography:
• Allowed in most areas (without flash).

Best Time to Visit

✅ October–March (Spring & Summer) – Warmer weather, best for combining with outdoor activities.
✅ April–September (Autumn & Winter) – Fewer tourists, but colder temperatures.

Nearby Attractions

• Presidio de Ushuaia (Ushuaia Prison Museum) – Former prison turned museum.
• Beagle Channel Boat Tours – See penguins, sea lions, and glaciers.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park – Stunning nature, hiking trails, and wildlife.
• Glaciar Martial – A short hike with panoramic views of Ushuaia.