Museo Histórico Nacional

San Telmo


Located in Parque Lezama is the city’s national historical museum. It’s mostly dedicated to Argentina’s revolution of May 25, 1810, though there is some coverage of pre-colonial times. There are several portraits of presidents and other major figures of the time, along with a beautifully lit generals’ room. Peek into the re-created version of the bedroom of José de San Martín’s – military hero and liberator of Argentina (along with other South American countries).

Highlights include an Argentine flag taken by General Belgrano to Alto Perú (now Bolivia) in 1812 and, best of all, a sword belonging to San Martín himself, now guarded by grenadiers; you'll need to walk through a tunnel displaying other revolutionary heroes' swords, lit up like a nightclub, to reach it.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Telmo attractions

1. Parque Lezama

0.07 MILES

Leafy Parque Lezama hosts elderly chess-playing gentlemen, families toting mate (traditional Argentine tea) gourds, and teenagers kissing on park benches.

2. Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa

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The striking late-19th-century Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa (Russian Orthodox Church) on the north side of Parque Lezama is the work of architect Alejandro…

3. Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires

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After significant renovations, this excellent museum is a magnet for modern-art enthusiasts. Housed in a former tobacco warehouse, this spacious museum…

5. Casa Amarilla

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This house is a replica of the residence of William (Guillermo) Brown, the Irish-born admiral who fought in the wars of Independence and created Argentina…

6. Pasaje de la Defensa

0.38 MILES

Originally built for the Ezeiza family in around 1880, this building later became a conventillo (tenement house) that was home to dozens of families…

7. Feria de San Telmo

0.46 MILES

On Sundays, San Telmo’s main drag is closed to traffic and the street is a sea of both locals and tourists browsing craft stalls, waiting at vendors’…

8. Plaza Dorrego

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After Plaza de Mayo, Plaza Dorrego is the city’s oldest plaza. Dating back to the 18th century, it was originally a pit stop for caravans bringing…