Instituto de la Patagonia

Punta Arenas


Pioneer days are made real again at the Patagonian Institute's Museo del Recuerdo, part of the Universidad de Magallanes. The library has historical maps and a series of historical and scientific publications. Any taxi colectivo that is heading to the Zona Franca will drop you across the street.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Punta Arenas attractions

1. Museo del Recuerdo

0.01 MILES

On display are a collection of antique farm and industrial machinery, a typical pioneer house and shearing shed, and a wooden-wheeled shepherds’ trailer.

2. Cementerio Municipal

1.6 MILES

Among South America’s most fascinating cemeteries, with both humble immigrant graves and flashy tombs, like that of wool baron José Menéndez, a scale…

3. Museo Regional Salesiano

1.79 MILES

Especially influential in settling the region, the Salesian order collected outstanding ethnographic artifacts, but their museum touts their role as…

4. Museo Regional de Magallanes

2.26 MILES

This opulent mansion testifies to the wealth and power of pioneer sheep farmers in the late 19th century. The well-maintained interior houses a regional…

5. Casa Braun-Menéndez

2.27 MILES

Facing the Plaza Muñoz Gamero’s north side is the Club de la Unión, which houses the former Palacio Sara Braun, now known as the Casa Braun-Menéndez.

6. Plaza Muñoz Gamero

2.33 MILES

A central plaza of magnificent conifers surrounded by opulent mansions. Facing the plaza’s north side, Casa Braun-Menéndez houses the private Club de la…

7. Museo Naval y Marítimo

2.33 MILES

A naval and maritime museum with historical exhibits that include a fine account of the Chilean mission that rescued Sir Ernest Shackleton’s crew from…