Andes Museum 1972 (Museo Andes 1972)
Rincón 619, Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, 11000
In 1972, a charter plane departed Montevideo en route to Santiago de Chile and crashed in the Andes Mountains. The story of this tragic event is the subject of the Andes Museum 1972 (Museo Andes 1972. The exhibitions here honor the Uruguayans who perished in this disaster and tell the harrowing tale of the 16 travelers that survived.
The basics
To visit the museum, you can purchase entry when you arrive, or save time by booking tickets in advance. Your entry includes a short film describing the crash and the chilling stories of survival—including freezing temperatures, cannibalism, and a trek through the mountains. Find pictures and personal belongings, pieces of the crashed plane, and an event timeline.
It's easy to add a stop at the museum on your Old City (Ciudad Vieja) itinerary. You can walk from Plaza Independencia, and add stops at the must-see area sights like the Solís Theatre (Teatro Solís) and Palacio Salvo. You can also walk from here to the waterfront for a stroll along the Rambla.
Things to know before you go
- If you're visiting with a group be sure to secure a reservation for a tour with a museum guide.
- Children aged 12 and older are welcome in the museum; younger visitors should be prepared to encounter some disturbing content.
- Travelers report spending up to two hours in the museum.
- The museum has a gift shop and restroom.
How to get there
The museum is centrally located in the Old City on Rincón Street, just steps from Plaza Matriz. If you drive, there is ample parking in the nearby lots, though public busses are ideal for thrifty travelers—you can find stops nearby on Buenos Aires and Cerrito streets. Taxi cabs are a great way to get around if you want to avoid the hassle of negotiating public transit schedules.
When to get there
The Andes Museum is open daily from Monday to Friday, and closes early on Saturdays. You may want to save the museum for a rainy day—since the exhibitions are located indoors—or detour here to save your legs after a day of walking around the Old Town.
Visiting the Solís Theatre
Just steps from the Andes Museum you can find Solís Theatre, one of the most important theatrical institutions in Uruguay. The neoclassical building dates to the mid-19th century, and you can still enjoy a performance in the revered venue. Join for a guided tour to experience the building's architecture, or book tickets to enjoy classical music, ballet, opera, and more.
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