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After returning from an Antarctica expedition, my wife and I decided to spend a few hours exploring this expansive museum. Even before entering the museum, there is an old wooden boat, the “Cutter Tomasito” that dates back to 1913. I learned that it was used by a family to navigate the Beagle Channel. Upon entering the Museum, we starting looking at the exhibits that detailed the maritime history of Ushuaia, including the fascinating history of the indigenous people. The exhibits then detail how Ushuaia was colonized by Spain and eventually obtained its independence. The next area we visited was the old jail. I can only imagine how brutal the conditions must have been with the cold weather and the cement cells. However, I learned that this jail housed some vicious criminals who apparently deserved this harsh treatment. The jail was well built and is remarkably well maintained. The last area we visited was the art gallery which offered a pleasant respite from the “heavier” exhibits we had seen. There were a variety of art displayed by very talented local artists. My understanding is that the art gallery changes the displays on a regular basis. There is also a small boutique that sells a variety of souvenirs as well as light refreshments for reasonable prices. This museum is a great place to visit if you find yourself with some free time before or after an expedition or other interesting journey.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
2 Helpful votes
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I agree with the comment that the entrance is so small that with 4 people, it was crowded. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Once inside we meet a number of tour groups and had to dodge them. Wandered up and down the wings of the cells reading the stories about the prisoners and their life cramped into the tiny cells. It would have been terrible housed in the cells especially during winter. Wandered around to the maritime museum and enjoyed reading the stories about the various ships. Well worth a few hours visit…
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Date of experience: March 2020
1 Helpful vote
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The entrance to this place was a nightmare. Small crowded lobby, hard to buy tickets. Then once we got inside it was fine. Interesting to go inside an old prison and imagine what the conditions were like when prisoners lived there. We also found one wing that had a nice art exhibit that was fun to see. Overall, a worthwhile stop on a rainy day.…
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Date of experience: March 2020
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Convicts were transferred from Isla de los Estados to Ushuaia in 1906 to build this national prison,finished in 1920.The depressing cells,designed for 380 inmates,held up to 800 before the prison closed in 1947.Famous prisoners include author Ricardo Rojasand and anarchist Simon Radowitzky.The depiction of penal life is intriguing,but information is only in Spanish.Maritime exhibits provide a unique glimpse of the region's history. Remains of the world's narrowest-gauge freight train,which transported prisoners between town and work stations,sit in the courtyard.From December to March,guided tours(also in English)are at 11:30am and 4:30pm.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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Visited as part of a group tour. The facility, formally a prison , now their maritime museum, There a five wings (legs) off the center hall. Contains a gift shop, recreation of prison cells and art work.
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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