Visiting the museums of Patagonia is a way to get close to the life, customs and natural environment of its communities. Paleontology, archaeology, history, natural science and art: in the towns and cities of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia there are museums that are true shelters of the region's identity. Because a museum is not only a look into the past: it is also a look within.
What the museums of Patagonia tell
Tools, textiles and other objects of the Mapuche, Tehuelche and other peoples, in museums such as the Mapuche Museum in Pucón or the Carlos Gradin Museum of Archaeology in Perito Moreno.
The Welsh in Gaiman and Trelew, Germans in Frutillar, pioneer families in Punta Arenas: their houses, belongings and photos tell how the region was settled.
Dinosaurs, fossils and marine wildlife in natural science museums and interpretation centers, such as those in Puerto Madryn and on the Valdés Peninsula.
The Neuquén branch of the National Museum of Fine Arts, the railway museums and the Oil Museum in Comodoro Rivadavia show other sides of Patagonia.
Museums by region
Neuquén, Cipolletti, General Roca, Plaza Huincul, Zapala and Chos Malal: fine arts, archaeology, local history and paleontology. See museums
Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, El Bolsón, Esquel and Trevelin; in Chile, Pucón, Temuco, Valdivia, Osorno, Frutillar, Puerto Varas and Chiloé. See museums
Gaiman, Trelew, Rawson, Puerto Madryn, Rada Tilly and Las Grutas: Welsh heritage, natural science, modern art and paleontology. See museums
Comodoro Rivadavia, Sarmiento, Puerto Deseado, Perito Moreno and Río Mayo: oil, railways, shipwrecks and archaeology. See museums
El Calafate, Río Gallegos, Ushuaia, Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales: pioneers, seafarers and the history of the end of the world. See museums
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Tips for your visit
Many museums change their hours with the season and close one day a week: check before you go.
Ask whether there are guided tours: guides often add stories you will not find on the signs.
When the weather is bad, a museum is a great alternative, also with children.
Many are housed in historic buildings downtown, so you can include them in a walk around town.
Discover all the museums of each region: Great Valley, The Lakes, The Beaches, Central Patagonia and Southern Patagonia. And if you are into dinosaurs, visit Paleontology.
