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Museo del Área Fundacional: Unveiling Mendoza's Origins

Explore Mendoza's origins at the Museo del Área Fundacional, where history comes alive through archaeological remains and captivating exhibits.

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The Museo del Área Fundacional in Mendoza, Argentina, marks the city's original founding site. It showcases archaeological remnants of the Cabildo (Town Council) destroyed in the 1861 earthquake, offering insights into Mendoza's colonial past and subsequent development.

A brief summary to Museo del Área Fundacional

  • Plaza Pedro del Castillo, entre Beltrán y Juan B. Alberdi, Centro, Mendoza, Mendoza Province, M5500, AR
  • +54261425-6927
  • Visit website
  • Tuesday 8 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-1 pm
  • Friday 8 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Plaza Pedro del Castillo and explore the surrounding historic area.
  • Check out the museum's boutique for regional products, crafts, and books related to Mendoza's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza Independencia, Mendoza's main square, walk south on Avenida San Martín. Continue straight, crossing Avenida España and Avenida Colón. Turn left onto Ituzaingó street and walk for about 10 minutes. Plaza Pedro del Castillo and the museum will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    From Plaza Independencia, take Bus Line 7 or 8. Get off at the stop on Ituzaingó street. Walk east on Ituzaingó street for about 5 minutes; Plaza Pedro del Castillo will be on your left. A single bus fare is approximately ARS 20, requiring a SUBE card.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Take a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Cabify. Enter 'Plaza Pedro del Castillo' as your destination. The ride from the city center takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is ARS 804 base fare, plus ARS 1,214 per km.

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Discover more about Museo del Área Fundacional

The Museo del Área Fundacional (Museum of the Foundational Area) stands in the heart of Mendoza's historic district, on the Plaza Pedro del Castillo, the very spot where Captain Pedro del Castillo founded the city in 1561. This location was once the heart of Mendoza, housing the Cabildo, or Town Council. A devastating earthquake in 1861 razed the city, leaving the Cabildo in ruins. The museum provides a window into Mendoza's past. An underground chamber displays the archaeological remains of the Cabildo, offering a glimpse into the main administrative institution of the colonial government. Visitors can also see remnants of the Town Slaughterhouse and the Fruit and Vegetables Market, which were later built upon the ruins. The museum exhibits dioramas, photographs, and scale models that illustrate the city's history and evolution. Artifacts recovered on-site offer tangible connections to the era of the earthquake. The museum also features a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists. The Plaza Pedro del Castillo, where the museum is located, is considered the heart of Mendoza.

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