Patagonia Museum "Francisco P. Moreno"

Inaugurated by Parques Nacionales in 1940, the museum is located at the east end of the Centro Cívico. It was named after Francisco P. Moreno, who explored the Andes and Patagonian rivers, and donated to the government the lands which were to become Argentina's first National Park (see information on Nahuel Huapi National Park). The museum's first director was Enrique Artayeta. Parques Nacionales acquired the museum's first anthropological and historical collection, which has since increased along with the findings of researchers. There are various sections, including natural history, prehistory, ethnography and regional history. There is also a Temporary Exhibition room, a public library containing some 3000 books, a Design and Research Department, a collection storeroom and a theater. The museum is administrated by the National Parks superintendence and supported by Asociación Amigos del Museo -Friends of the Museum Association- which has existed since 1985.