Overview
The Ushuaia Prison Museum (Museo Marítimo y del Presidio) occupies Argentina's notorious penal colony, which operated from 1902 to 1947. Four of the five prison wings now serve as a maritime museum, Antarctic museum, art gallery, and penal colony history exhibition, while one wing preserves the original cells. It vividly depicts the harsh conditions prisoners endured and traces Ushuaia's transformation from a prison town to a tourist destination. Admission about ARS 8,000. About 5 minutes on foot from the waterfront downtown.
Opening Hours
Daily 10:00-20:00 (winter 12:00-19:00).
Travel Tips
Allow about 2 hours for the visit. Renting an audio guide (English available) provides deeper insight into each wing's stories.
Hotels near Ushuaia Prison Museum
Hotels and guesthouses in Ushuaia, Downtown Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
Other attractions in Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego National Park
The world's southernmost national park, blending glacial lakes and sub-Antarctic forest.
Beagle Channel Cruise
A cruise at the end of the world, passing colonies of penguins and sea lions.
End of the World Museum
The world's southernmost museum, dedicated to Patagonia's indigenous peoples and exploration history.
Martial Glacier
An accessible glacier behind Ushuaia with spectacular Beagle Channel views from the trail.
End of the World Train
A heritage steam train that follows the old prisoner transport route into the national park.
Lago Escondido
An emerald lake hidden in the Andean forest, with breathtaking panoramic views from Garibaldi Pass.
Cerro Castor Ski Resort
The world's southernmost ski resort, operating June-October with stunning Patagonian snow scenery.