Argentina, Maritime Museum of Ushuaia

 

 

At the west end of El Centro just a few blocks up from San Martin you will find the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia.

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance Maritime Museum

 

The museum is located on the boundary of the Naval Station in Ushuaia. For a AR$60 (US$15) entrance fee you can spend a few hours exploring the history of the area and learning a bit about Antarctica.

At first, the fee seems a bit steep but it is valid for a 48 hour period. However, discovering that the museum does not receive any government support makes me feel a little better about departing with my dollars.

 

 

The museum occupies two floors on what was formerly a military prison.

 

 

 

 

Entering the museum there are models of the many ships that have navigated the area since it's earlier recorded history.

 

 

Ferdinand Magellan's, Trinidad (1520) and many others.

 

 

 

 

Magellan was the first European who sighted the land here and called it “Tierra de los Fuegos”, The Land Of Fire.

 

 

 

Yamana Male

 

 

Here, I also learn about the life of Yamana's the original Ushuaia settlers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Yamana's specialized in making canoes from the bark of large trees which they removed in a delicate process.

 

 

 

Using these canoes in search of food, the Yamanas followed the seal population to this area. When the Europeans first arrive here there were over 4,000 Yamana's, today only 1 one pure female Yamana remains.

 

 

Replica Of Original “El Fin del Mundo” Lighthouse

 

 

Besides local history there are also other interesting exhibits about Antarctica and marine activity in the area. The museum houses a replica of the original “El Fin del Mundo” lighthouse which is quite different than I expected a lighthouse to be.

Originally situated on an island far southeast of here, sailors often complained about it's ineffectiveness in helping them navigate the area.  Apparently, it's beacon was less visible than stated.

 

 

The lighthouse was destroyed in a storm and never replaced. Now a “Tourist Lighthouse” has been constructed in Beagle Canal and it is known as “The End Of The World” lighthouse.

 

 

 

 

Learning more about the area at the museum becomes a nice way to spend a few hours in Ushuaia.

 

 

 

The US$15 admission fee becomes worth it to me, after all. Dollars well spent.

 

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