FORMER GOVERNMENT HOUSE
This historic house is located at 465 Maipú Avenue. It is one of the most emblematic and architecturally significant buildings in Ushuaia, as well as one of the few that are still standing. Its initial construction is estimated to have taken place between 1886 and 1890, and by 1894 it was already in use as the residence of Governor Pedro Godoy. Originally, the building had only one floor, but over the years, several expansions were made, including the addition of a second floor.
Purchase your ticket at the Museo del Fin del Mundo (173 Maipú Avenue).
Throughout time, the building has changed functions. One of its most notable roles was serving as the headquarters of the Territorial Legislature, which became the Provincial Legislature in 1992. In 1983, it was declared a Historic House by a decree from the Territorial Government, which allowed restoration and conservation work to take place. In October of that same year, the National Executive Power declared it a National Historic Monument. Since 2004, under the administration of the Government of Tierra del Fuego, it has been used for cultural exhibitions, and since May 18, 2008, it has become an extension of the Museo del Fin del Mundo.
In one part of the house, furniture from the presidency of the Legislature and the meeting and session hall can be seen. In one of the larger rooms, there is a display of photos and objects related to one of the region's most notable shipwrecks: the Monte Cervantes, a passenger ship that capsized and ran aground in 1930 with over 1,400 passengers aboard. That same year, the ship Monte Sarmiento arrived in Ushuaia to transport the shipwreck survivors to their destination.
Additionally, one of the rooms has been set up as an authentic general goods store. Various objects used in the early 20th century are displayed, such as household items, a weaving machine, an old cash register, and others.