Espacio Memoria y Derechos Humanos

Belgrano, Nuñez & the Costanera Norte


Human rights groups estimate that during the military dictatorship of 1976 to 1983 up to 30,000 people were 'disappeared' by the state: kidnapped and taken to secret detention centers where they were tortured and killed. One such detention center was at the former naval campus known as the ESMA, where some 5000 men and women were held. Today the complex serves as a memorial to the victims and houses museums, cultural centers and the offices of several human rights organizations.

The actual building where the secret detention center was located is now an excellent – though harrowing – museum. Due to the museum's disturbing subject matter, children under 12 are not permitted.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Belgrano, Nuñez & the Costanera Norte attractions

1. Sitio de Memoria ESMA

0.08 MILES

The former naval campus known as the ESMA is the most notorious of some 600 secret detention centers in Argentina, where during the military dictatorship…

2. Casa Por La Identidad

0.12 MILES

This building at the Espacio Memoria y Derechos Humanos has photographs and explanatory texts (in Spanish) that celebrate the work of the Abuelas …

3. Museo Malvinas

0.2 MILES

This well-executed museum, opened by Cristina Kirchner in 2014, is dedicated to the history of the Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) and Argentina's claim…

4. Museo Casa de Yrurtia

1.3 MILES

Reclusive Rogelio Yrurtia (1879–1950), best known for his sculpture Canto al Trabajo on Plazoleta Olazábal in San Telmo, designed this neocolonial…

5. Museo Larreta

1.55 MILES

Hispanophile novelist Enrique Larreta (1875–1961) resided in this elegant colonial-style house opposite Plaza Belgrano that now displays his private art…

6. Museo Histórico Sarmiento

1.55 MILES

This museum at Plaza Belgrano contains memorabilia relating to Domingo F Sarmiento, one of Argentina's most celebrated presidents, diplomats and educators…

7. Parque de la Memoria

1.66 MILES

On the edge of the river on the Costanera Norte is this landscaped park and gallery that serves as a memorial to the victims of the military dictatorships…

8. Tierra Santa

1.95 MILES

This wonderfully tacky 'Holy Land' theme park is roughly based on Jerusalem. Though many people who visit are devout Catholics, others go for the kitschy…