THE CITY

Chalet Pujol -Science Museum
This Museum was raised in 1917 by the Spanish businessman Agustín Pujol, who was the mayor of Puerto Madryn from 1916 to 1917. Many years later, it was given by his descendants to the provincial government that turned it into the headquarters of the "Provincial Oceanographic and Natural Science Museum".

It is located at the intersection of Domecq Garcia and José Menéndez Streets.

Stepping into this neo-classical building is like going back to the early 20th century.

A detail of its architecture that fascinates all visitors is its spiral staircase with hand-carved solid stone steps embedded in the inner walls of the stairwell.

Once you are inside you will be able to visit several different display rooms.

The Welsh Room keeps historical and photographic items referring to the Welsh colonization of Chubut. It is a showcase of the daily routines and national customs of the early Welsh settlers.

Another room lodges the Fish and Invertebrates exhibit, which includes specimens of the major species inhabiting Puerto Madryn coasts. A great attraction is the beautiful "Moon Fish" that was found on the beach in 1984.

There is also a significant collection of crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms, featuring a giant female squid found in 1996.

In the Marine Mammals and Birds Room you will see the diverse fauna populating this territory. The central exhibit is a beautiful stuffed walrus, enclosed by glass display cases that show the natural habitats of the avian species.

Another important room is that of the Whales. Here you will find skeletons and texts that describe the development of each group, its main features and conduct.

In the Geology Room, there is a rich collection of rocks and mineral ores, as well as an educational section dedicated to paleontology that displays a fragment of herbivorous sauropod femur from the Lower Cretaceous Period (90 million years ago).

Finally, we have the Botanical Room, where exquisite species belonging to the terrestrial and marine flora of the area can be visualized.

In addition to hearing brilliant lectures by staff members, visitors can enjoy watching slide shows in the projection room that will both satisfy and awaken their curiosity.

Museum of Modern Art
This is at Roca Av Nº 444, and has a vital cultural and social role in Puerto Madryn city life. All kinds of artists are invited to exhibit their best works in a favorable environment here.

Inside the Museum, its four walls are decked with paintings, sculptures, engravings, photos and portraits in many styles, by artists of the importance of Pérez Celis, Quinquela Martín and Marino Santamarina, as well as local artists.

The museum also has to offer well-attended painting, photography and wood-carving courses.

The Old Wharf
Although some years ago it was renamed "Comandante Luis Piedrabuena", locals still know it as the "Muelle Viejo" (Old Wharf), because it was constructed in 1910. It is an item pertaining to the city's "historical heritage". For years it was the only entry and exit point for people, production and raw materials.

Almirante Storni Wharf
The General Ports Administration began construction of this project in April 1972 as a key item in the city's social and economic development: only a few km away lies the "ALUAR" aluminum plant, a strategic industry that uses raw aluminum imported from Australia in enormous ore carriers.

This firm has set up a gigantic unloading crane and a conveyor belt enabling the transfer of ore from carrier holds to the plant's deposits.

From here, shipments of wool, fishery products, fruit and other items are shipped abroad.

RELAXATION
If the traveler is in need of a refreshing rest after wandering the streets of Puerto Madryn, he should not hesitate to enjoy a visit to any of the city beaches he may find near; they all offer facilities and varied options to dive in the ocean seeking adventure.

Other places that you may like to visit:

El Doradillo Beach
This is 17 km north of the city, along a gravel road. You can also get there on a especially designed Mountain Bike circuit of 28 Km.

It occupies a small bay and the favourite beach of the locals because of sand quality and water transparency. From its shores, from June through December, one can observe the slow ritual movements of whales in the open sea.

Punta Cuevas Area
From this place one can obtain the best scenic view of the city and the gulf, both day and night. It takes its name from the deep caves seen along the beach at low tide. These caves are the remnants of those that served as shelters to the first Welsh colonists.

SERVICES
Puerto Madryn is a modern city that has a large and high-quality hotel and food infrastructure. Other attractions, such as the local museums, theaters and cinemas draw thousands of people to this city, especially on weekends.

The business center is the place to go if you want to buy local food products such as alfajores (sweet, filled biscuits), chocolates, Welsh cake and tinned shellfish: You can also buy T-shirts and sweatshirts of every conceivable kind, many with ecological messages on the regional fauna.

Local crafts include hand-woven textiles from old style looms, using hand-spun wool and natural dyes obtained from seaweed and local shrubs; craft pottery and silverwork with Mapuche Indian motifs.

Finally, if you want to enjoy Madryn nightlife, you can choose from a casino, pubs, restaurants and discotheques that grow like mushrooms along the seafront and the main street, Avenida Roca.