The Government House (Antigua Casa de Gobierno) is an architectural landmark and former administrative building of Ushuaia. It is home to an extension of the Fin del Mundo Museum. Visit the Government House for a glimpse into the fascinating history of Tierra del Fuego since the pre-Columbian period. See a garden dedicated to Argentina’s one-time first lady and political activist Eva Perón.
Originally built in 1893, the building was largely destroyed by fire in 1920, after which it took on its current appearance. It has served as the seat of the Government of the National Territory and the headquarters for the Municipality of Ushuaia. From 1976 to 1983, when Argentina was ruled under a dictatorship, it was the Seat of the Territorial Police. See it today as a designated national historic monument. It was awarded that status in 1983.
Walk between the rooms of the house to find exhibitions of the Fin del Mundo Museum. This museum showcases the art, ethnography and natural history of the remote Tierra del Fuego Province. See examples of cartographic art and a prisoner-made wooden chest decorated with Fuegian symbols. Peruse displays of 20th-century clothing, household utensils, a weaving machine and well-preserved governmental furniture.
On the east side of the house is the memorial garden. A wooden sign reads Evita. Eternamente entre los más humildes. Partida Justicialista (Evita. Eternally Among the Most Humble. Justicialist Party). Look for a bronze bust of the actress and politician. There is also a plaque with a quotation in English taken from her last speech to the nation in October 1951. The speech was also the first broadcast on Argentine television.
Find the Government House on Avenida Maipú, which runs parallel to the esplanade of Ushuaia Bay. It’s just a short walk from several other major city attractions. See more exhibitions of Fuegian culture at the main site of the Fin del Mundo Museum. Join a cruise over the Beagle Channel to spot penguins, sea birds and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
