A Diagonal Universe: 10 Unique Things To Do In La Plata, Argentina

1. Museo de La Plata (La Plata Museum)

Featuring one of the most important scientific collections in Latin America, the Museo de La Plata (La Plata Museum) was founded in 1888 by famous Patagonian explorer Francisco P Moreno. It works in a stunning Greco-Roman building that houses over 20 exhibit rooms that showcase paleontological, zoological, archaeological and anthropological items displayed in a didactic way. There are also pieces of Egyptian tomb relics and Jesuit art, among others, all related to science.

Museo de La Plata (La Plata Museum)

Address: Paseo del Bosque s/nº, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Museo de La Plata (in Spanish)

2. Catedral de La Plata (Cathedral of La Plata)

One of the landmarks of the city, the Catedral de La Plata (Cathedral of La Plata) is a neo-gothic jewel that was inspired by the architecture of the ones in Cologne and Amiens. It is one of the biggest temples in the Americas, with a capacity for 7,000 people and an area of 7,000 square meters. With gorgeous fine stained-glass windows and polished granite floors, this wonderful building holds outstanding artwork and numerous legends.

Catedral de La Plata (Cathedral of La Plata)

Address: Calle 14 1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Catedral de La Plata (in Spanish)

3. Plaza Moreno (Moreno Square)

The heart of the city is in Plaza Moreno (Moreno Square). With an area of almost 8 hectares (20 acres), it is one of the biggest squares in Argentina. It was designed in a perfect symmetry, and it houses unique details, like the iron sculptures displayed in each corner and that represent the four seasons and that were designed by French artists Moreau. Plaza Moreno is surrounded by important buildings, like the Cathedral and the Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace), which features a German Renaissance style.

Plaza Moreno (Moreno Square)

Address: Calle 12 between 50 and 54, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Plaza Moreno (in Spanish)

4. Teatro Argentino (Argentinian Theater)

Appealing to music and ballet lovers and the general public as well, the Teatro Argentino (Argentinian Theater) is the second most important lyric opera house in Argentina. The acoustic of the building and the professionalism and quality of the ballet, symphony and opera artists provide the elements for an unforgettable evening. The current building was designed after a major fire destroyed the original one in 1977 and it received many negative reactions among the locals in La Plata. However, it is a great place to enjoy music and contemporary arts that are showcased in three different halls.

Teatro Argentino

Address: Av. 51 702, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Teatro Argentino (in Spanish)

5. Casa Curutchet (Curutchet House)

An architectural dream, Casa Curutchet is the only building designed by famed French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier in Latin America. It has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List and it is a prime example of Le Corbusier’s five points of architecture. It was commissioned by surgeon Pedro Curutchet in 1948 for his practice and is now open to the general public since the building is managed by the College of Architects of the Buenos Aires Province.

Casa Curutchet (Curutchet House)

Address: Boulevard 53 Nº 320, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Casa Curutchet (in Spanish)

6. República de los Niños (Republic of the Children)

Located 20 minutes away from La Plata, the República de los Niños (Republic of the Children) is an educational theme park built for kids. It was built in 1949 with the mission to be a space for children to play and learn about democratic institutions. This wonderland for the little ones has 53 hectares (130 acres) with different areas that feature buildings made in the scale of a 10-year-old. It offers different activities for kids, some carnival rides, a small cinema and a doll museum.

República de los Niños (Republic of the Children)

Address: Cno. Gral. Belgrano and 501 Gonnet, (1900) , La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: República de los Niños (in Spanish)

7. Estado Único de La Plata (Único Ciudad de La Plata Stadium)

This state-owned stadium started its history in 1947, but its official opening was celebrated in 2011. The Estado Único de La Plata (Único Ciudad de La Plata Stadium) is home to the Estudiantes de la Plata Club, even though its official purpose was to serve as a stadium for its rival as well (an idea that was not able to be executed). Despite its bumpy history, the stadium is now a multi-purpose venue where massive events take place. It has state-of-the-art technology, with huge led screens, the only retractable pitch in Latin America and an impressive lighting system that allow the spectators to have a great experience.

Estado Único de La Plata (Único Ciudad de La Plata Stadium)

Address: Calles 32 and 25, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Estado Único de La Plata (in Spanish)

8. Planetario Ciudad de La Plata (La Plata City Planetarium)

Something that grown-ups and children enjoy alike, the Planetario Ciudad de La Plata (La Plata City Planetarium) is under the orbit of the University of La Plata and aims to serve as space where different activities can bring astronomy and science closer to the public. It features a 17-meter (57-foot) wide screen to delight spectators with different programs. There is something different to do every day, so it is advisable to check online prior to a visit. One of the most popular is the astronomical observation on Fridays, where the staff offers a tour of the museum inside the planetarium, explains about astronomy and assists the public into a proper observation.

Planetario Ciudad de La Plata (La Plata City Planetarium)

Address: Av. Iraola and Calle 118, Paseo del Bosque, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Planetario Ciudad de La Plata (in Spanish)

9. Pasaje Dardo Rocha

La Plata’s major cultural center is located in what used to be one the main railroad station. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, with a formidable French Classic architecture that is the delight of everyone. You can check the permanent collection of the two museums that are housed in some municipal departments and, while there is always something interesting to see, the first floor’s 85-meter (280-foot) long hall is what makes worth the visit.

Pasaje Dardo Rocha

Address: Calle 50 575, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Pasaje Dardo Rocha (in Spanish)

10. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Latinoamericano (Museum of Contemporary Art)

Located in the Pasaje Dardo Rocha, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Latinoamericano (Museum of Contemporary Art) aims to be a space where students, artists, and the general public can access, learn about and value the visual arts, with a focus on pieces produced in Latin America. With 8 main collections, they feature unique and exquisite pieces. It is a great chance to explore the local art scene and appreciate Latin American talent.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Latinoamericano (Museum of Contemporary Art)

Address: Centro Cultural Pasaje Dardo Rocha - Calle 50 575, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Website: Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Latinoamericano (in Spanish)

An incredible city awaits!

La Plata is ready for your visit. Enjoy a journey to one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina with wonderful buildings, science, art and many stories to tell!