Fodor's Expert Review Museo Etnográfico Juan B. Ambrosetti
Editor's Note: This property is currently undergoing renovations.
Until 2012, the 100-peso bill still honored General Roca—the man responsible for the massacre of most of Patagonia's indigenous population—so it's not surprising that information on Argentina's original inhabitants is sparse. This fascinating but little-visited museum is a welcome remedy.
Begun by local scientist Juan Bautista Ambrosetti in 1904, the collection originally focused on so-called exotic art and artifacts, such as Australasian sculptures and a Japanese temple altar. The real highlights here, however, are the Argentine collections: if you're planning to visit Argentina's far north or south, they'll provide an eye-opening introduction.
The ground-floor galleries trace the history of human activity in Patagonia, underscoring the tragic results of European arrival. Dugout canoes, Mapuche silver jewelry, and scores of archival photos and illustrations are the main exhibits. Ask for a photocopied sheet with English versions... READ MORE
Until 2012, the 100-peso bill still honored General Roca—the man responsible for the massacre of most of Patagonia's indigenous population—so it's not surprising that information on Argentina's original inhabitants is sparse. This fascinating but little-visited museum is a welcome remedy.
Begun by local scientist Juan Bautista Ambrosetti in 1904, the collection originally focused on so-called exotic art and artifacts, such as Australasian sculptures and a Japanese temple altar. The real highlights here, however, are the Argentine collections: if you're planning to visit Argentina's far north or south, they'll provide an eye-opening introduction.
The ground-floor galleries trace the history of human activity in Patagonia, underscoring the tragic results of European arrival. Dugout canoes, Mapuche silver jewelry, and scores of archival photos and illustrations are the main exhibits. Ask for a photocopied sheet with English versions of the texts.
In the upstairs northwestern Argentina gallery the emphasis is archaeological. Displays chronicle the evolution of Andean civilization, the heyday of the Inca empire, and postcolonial life. Artifacts include ceramics, textiles, jewelry, farming tools, and even food.
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