Best Museums & Art Galleries in Salta, Salta, Argentina
1. Museum of High Andean Archaeology (MAA)
Discover the rich pre-Columbian history of Salta with over 20,000 artifacts. The museum is home to the renowned Mumiy Atacama, a well-preserved mummy.
- Unique Archaeological Collection: Houses one of the most significant collections of pre-Columbian artifacts in Argentina.
- Mumiy Atacama: Features the well-preserved mummy, offering insights into ancient Andean life.
- Archaeological Site Nearby: Adjacent to the Paleontological Complex of Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Salta Art Museum
Explore contemporary and classic art from Argentine artists in this modern museum, including works by Torres García and Berni.
- Modern Architecture: Designed by renowned architects Clorindo Testa and Rafael Viñoly.
- Argentine Art Collection: Features works from important Argentine artists such as Torres García and Berni.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a variety of contemporary art.
3. Cabildo de Salta
Step back in time at this historical building that served as the city's government center during colonial times. Visit the attached Museum of the Northern Argentine Independence.
- Historical Significance: Built in 1589, it has been a key site for the city's government and historical events.
- Museum of Northern Argentine Independence: Attached museum offers insights into Salta's role during Argentina's fight for independence.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in English, providing a deeper understanding of the building's history.
4. San Francisco Church and Museum
Visit this Baroque-style church dating back to the 17th century and explore its attached museum with a vast collection of colonial artifacts.
- Baroque Architecture: Features ornate Baroque architecture, making it one of Salta's most visually striking buildings.
- Colonial Artifacts: Houses an extensive collection of colonial-era artifacts and religious art.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours in English, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the church's history.
5. Paleontological Museum 'Dr. Juan Carlos Bonaparte'
Explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs with a vast collection of fossils, including the largest dinosaur footprint ever found in South America.
- Dinosaur Fossil Collection: Houses over 300 dinosaur fossils from various species.
- Largest Dinosaur Footprint: Features the largest dinosaur footprint ever found in South America.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits, making learning about dinosaurs fun and engaging for all ages.
6. Tren a las Nubes Museum
Learn about the iconic Tren a las Nubes train journey at this museum, with exhibits on its history, construction, and operation.
- Train Journey History: Dedicated to the legendary Tren a las Nubes train journey through the Andean landscapes.
- Engine Collection: Features several historic locomotives used on the Tren a las Nubes route.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the train journey experience.
7. Northwest Argentine Museum (MNA)
Explore the cultural and historical diversity of Salta's Northwest region at this museum, with exhibits on indigenous cultures, colonial history, and local folklore.
- Regional Culture and History: Focuses on the unique cultural and historical aspects of Salta's Northwest region.
- Indigenous Cultures: Features exhibits on various indigenous cultures that have inhabited the area for centuries.
- Local Folklore: Showcases local folklore and traditions, providing insights into the region's unique identity.
8. Tarija del Fuego Museum
Learn about the fascinating culture of the indigenous Diaguita people at this museum, with exhibits on their pottery, textiles, and religious artifacts.
- Indigenous Culture: Focuses on the unique Diaguita culture that has inhabited the region for centuries.
- Pottery and Textiles: Features an extensive collection of traditional Diaguita pottery and textiles.
- Religious Artifacts: Showcases religious artifacts, offering insights into the Diaguita people's spiritual beliefs.
9. Salta Regional Fine Arts Museum (MAARS)
Discover the work of local and national artists at this museum, with a focus on contemporary art from Salta and the region.
- Contemporary Art: Features contemporary art created by artists from Salta and the surrounding region.
- Local and National Artists: Showcases works by both local and nationally recognized artists.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a variety of contemporary art from Salta.
10. Piedra Museo
Explore the fascinating world of petroglyphs at this museum, with exhibits on their history, significance, and conservation.
- Petroglyphs: Dedicated to the study and preservation of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs).
- History and Significance: Offers insights into the history, significance, and meaning behind these ancient carvings.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts to protect and preserve these valuable cultural artifacts.
11. Ceramic Art Museum (Museo de Arte Cerámico)
Delve into the world of ceramics at this museum, with exhibits on traditional Andean pottery and contemporary works by local artists.
- Traditional Andean Pottery: Features an extensive collection of traditional Andean pottery.
- Contemporary Ceramics: Showcases contemporary ceramic works by local artists.
- Artist Workshops: Offers workshops where visitors can learn about and create their own ceramic pieces.
12. Galeria de Arte de Salta
Explore contemporary art exhibitions by national and international artists at this modern gallery in Salta.
- Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from both national and international artists.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a variety of contemporary art.
- Artist Talks and Workshops: Provides opportunities for visitors to engage with artists through talks and workshops.
13. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo del Norte (MACN)
Discover contemporary art from Salta and the region at this museum, with a focus on supporting local artists.
- Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art created by artists from Salta and the surrounding region.
- Local Artist Support: Supports local artists by providing exhibition opportunities and resources.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a variety of contemporary art from Salta.
14. Museo de Arte Moderno de Salta (MAMS)
Explore modern and contemporary art at this museum in Salta, with a focus on supporting local artists.
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Focuses on modern and contemporary art created by artists from Salta and the surrounding region.
- Local Artist Support: Supports local artists by providing exhibition opportunities and resources.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a variety of modern and contemporary art from Salta.
15. Galería de Arte de la Universidad Nacional de Salta (GAUNAS)
Visit the art gallery of the National University of Salta to explore contemporary art exhibitions by both national and international artists.
- Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art from both national and international artists.
- University Connection: Located within the National University of Salta, providing opportunities for student engagement with contemporary art.
- Temporary Exhibits: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing a variety of contemporary art.