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Museo Casa Padilla: A Glimpse into Tucumán's Past

Discover Tucumán's rich history and art within the walls of a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion, Museo Casa Padilla.

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Museo Casa Padilla, located in a beautifully preserved 19th-century Italianate mansion, offers visitors a captivating journey through the history and culture of Tucumán, Argentina. The museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts, antique furniture, and art, reflecting the lifestyle and heritage of the region's colonial era.

A brief summary to Museo Casa Padilla

Local tips

  • Visit in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience with the art.
  • Check the museum's schedule for special exhibits or events to enhance your visit.
  • Take your time exploring each room; the details in the artworks often reveal fascinating stories.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Museo Casa Padilla is located in the heart of San Miguel de Tucumán, directly across from Plaza Independencia and next to the Government House. From anywhere in the Plaza Independencia area, the museum is easily accessible on foot. Simply walk towards the west side of the plaza; the museum's red-and-white facade is easily recognizable.

  • Public Transport

    San Miguel de Tucumán has an extensive bus network. Many bus lines stop near Plaza Independencia. Check local bus routes and schedules to find the most convenient option. From the bus stop, walk towards Plaza Independencia and locate the red-and-white Museo Casa Padilla on the west side. A single bus fare within the city typically costs around ARS 690, but can vary based on distance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in San Miguel de Tucumán. Provide the driver with the address, 25 de Mayo 36, and they will take you directly to the museum. The museum is well-known and centrally located, making it an easy destination for drivers. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between ARS 600 and ARS 1200, depending on distance and traffic.

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Discover more about Museo Casa Padilla

Museo Casa Padilla, situated in the heart of San Miguel de Tucumán, stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Housed in a striking red-and-white Italianate mansion dating back to around 1860, the museum provides a glimpse into the lives of the Padilla family and Tucumán society. The building itself is a prime example of Italianate architecture, featuring ornate details such as pilasters, balustrades, moldings, marble, and wrought iron. The house follows a traditional “casa chorizo” layout, with 18 rooms arranged around four patios. Each patio has unique characteristics, connected by zaguanes (covered passages). The museum's collection includes paintings, original furniture, and the “Colección Padilla” of decorative art, donated by Ernesto Padilla (h). This collection features European works, Hispanic-American objects reflecting the colonial past, and a valuable collection of Asian pieces, mainly Chinese. Visitors can explore thematic rooms displaying paintings and furniture from the Padilla family, as well as paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. One room is dedicated to Chinese art, including Celadon ceramics, Sang de Boeuf ceramics, jade, and coralline carvings. Other highlights include a Coromandel screen, fabrics from Constantinople, Persian carpets, a pianoforte, and objects from Jesuit missions. The house was initially built around 1750 for Diego Domínguez. In 1799, Agustín Terri acquired the house and built additional rooms. In 1826, Governor José Frías bought the house and later divided it between his children, including Lastenia, who married Ángel Cruz Padilla. The Padilla family resided in the house until 1962. In 1973, the house was expropriated, and in 1979, it opened as a museum.

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