Ushuaia Prison Museum: Maritime, Antarctic & Marine Art Museums

Discover Ushuaia’s Most Iconic Museum Complex.

The Prison Museum of Ushuaia is one of the most visited attractions in the city. Located in the former prison building, it forms part of a cultural complex that includes the Maritime Museum, the Antarctic Museum, and the Marine Art Museum.

A visit to the old prison is ideal for exploring on foot while discovering the history and unique heritage of Ushuaia.

Good to know: One ticket grants access to all museums in the complex.

Museum Information

Address: Yaganes and Gobernador Paz, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego.

Phone: +54 (2901) 437481

Email: info@museomaritimo.com

Instagram: @museomaritimoushuaia

Facebook: MuseoMaritimoUshuaia

Opening Hours

Open daily: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Last entry: 7:30 p.m.

Closed on some public holidays (check in advance)

Guided Tours

Temporarily suspended until further notice.

When available: Daily in Spanish at 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours.

Admission Fees

Valid for 2 consecutive days.

• Adults: AR$44,000
• Students: AR$36,000
• Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 minors): AR$110,000
• Free: Children under 12 and people with disabilities
• Argentine teachers and retirees (ID required): AR$36,000
• Tierra del Fuego residents (ID required):
• General: AR$39,000
• Students: AR$16,000
• Free entry on Saturdays with ID

History of Ushuaia’s Prison

The prison originated from a former military penal colony on the remote Isla de los Estados. In the early 20th century, it was relocated to Ushuaia, then a small settlement with fewer than 50 homes.

In 1902, construction of the National Penitentiary began. By 1904, it became the Penal Institution for Repeat Offenders, and by 1920 it featured five wings with 76 individual cells each.

Notable Prisoners

Cayetano Santos Godino (“El Petiso Orejudo”): A notorious child serial killer who died in the prison.

Simón Radowitzky: A Russian anarchist jailed for assassinating police chief Ramón Falcón. He later fought in the Spanish Civil War and died in exile in Mexico.

Mateo Banks (“El Místico”): Sentenced for the murder of 8 people in Azul, Buenos Aires Province.

Néstor Aparicio: Radical Party congressman imprisoned after the 1930 coup against President Yrigoyen.

Maritime Museum of Ushuaia

This museum showcases shipwreck artifacts, nautical history, maps, and other exhibits focusing on the maritime culture of Tierra del Fuego. It's an excellent introduction to the region’s local history and geography.

Antarctic Museum

Named after Dr. José María Sobral, the first Argentine scientist to spend a winter in Antarctica. Highlights include detailed ship models from various Antarctic expeditions, bringing visitors closer to the White Continent.

Marine Art Museum

This museum features maritime-themed works from some of Argentina’s most renowned artists, such as Eduardo Sívori, Benito Quinquela Martín, Spilimbergo, Juan Carlos Castagnino, Antonio Berni, and Raúl Soldi.