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Museo de La Plata: A Journey Through South American Natural History

Explore South America's natural history at Museo de La Plata: fossils, artifacts, and cultural heritage in a neoclassical landmark.

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The Museo de La Plata, inaugurated in 1888, is one of the most important natural history museums in Latin America. Located in La Plata, Argentina, it houses a vast collection of fossils, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing the region's geology, paleontology, zoology, anthropology, and archaeology.

A brief summary to Museo de La Plata

  • Paseo del Bosque s/n, La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, B1900, AR
  • Visit website
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and school groups.
  • Take a guided tour for deeper insights into the museum's vast collections.
  • Explore the surrounding Paseo del Bosque, including the zoo and botanical garden.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza Moreno in the city center, walk north along Avenida 7 until you reach Paseo del Bosque. Enter the park, and you'll find the Museo de La Plata on your right. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take a bus that heads towards 'Paseo del Bosque' or 'Museo de La Plata'. Bus lines 44, 85, or 520 typically stop near the museum. A single bus fare costs approximately ARS 30.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in La Plata. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Museo de La Plata will cost approximately ARS 1000-1500. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Museo de La Plata

The Museo de La Plata stands as an emblematic institution, not only for the city of La Plata but for Argentina and Latin America as a whole. Founded in 1884 and officially opened in 1888, the museum's origins trace back to the collections of Francisco Pascasio Moreno, a renowned Argentine naturalist and explorer. Moreno's dedication to preserving and understanding the natural and cultural heritage of South America laid the foundation for this monumental museum. The museum's architecture, designed by Henrik G. A. Äberg and Carl L. W. Heynemann, reflects a neoclassical style inspired by European museums of the 19th century. Its imposing structure, located within the Paseo del Bosque, covers approximately 16,000 square meters and houses an extensive collection of nearly three million pieces. The Museo de La Plata's exhibits are organized into twenty rooms, guiding visitors through a journey of time and evolution. The first floor focuses on geology, paleontology, and zoology, showcasing fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and diverse species. Highlights include a vast collection of mammal fossils from the Cenozoic Era and exhibits of Argentine trilobites and graptolites. The second floor delves into biological anthropology, ethnography, and archaeology, displaying artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures of Argentina and South America. Beyond its scientific significance, the Museo de La Plata holds cultural importance for Argentinians, serving as a rite of passage for students and a source of national pride. It also plays a vital role as a research and educational institution within the Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo of the Universidad Nacional de La Plata. While primarily focused on South American exhibits, the museum also features an Egyptian exhibit, including a reconstruction of the Aksha Temple, a result of collaborative efforts between UNESCO, Sudan, Egypt, and Argentina. The museum's commitment extends to safeguarding cultural heritage, as evidenced by the removal of human remains and mummified bodies of American origin in 2006, in response to claims from indigenous communities.

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