Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria

Inside the ornate Palacio de las Aguas Corrientes at Riobamba 750, this small museum traces the history of water supply and sanitation in Buenos Aires. The building was constructed in 1886 after a yellow fever outbreak, and its grand exterior once concealed water infrastructure for the city. Inside, see sanitary objects and a cast-iron structure associated with supplying 72 million liters of water. Online tickets are required for access, and a guided tour can add context to the exhibits.

A palace built for the water system

The Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria is housed in the Palacio de las Aguas Corrientes, at Riobamba 750. The building dates to 1886, after a yellow fever outbreak in Buenos Aires that killed 14,000 people. Its elaborate exterior gives little indication of the infrastructure it contained: the palace was built for water treatment and supply.

The museum focuses on the systems behind clean water and sanitation, subjects that shaped daily life in the city. Its setting connects those displays to the building’s original purpose.

Objects and guided visits

The collection includes sanitary artifacts and material related to clean water. One notable piece is a cast-iron structure associated with supplying 72 million liters of water to Buenos Aires. The exhibits also explain how the safety of water accessories was evaluated.

A guided visit can help place these objects within the history of the city’s sanitation works. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the museum also provides a Wi-Fi QR code at the entrance for additional information. Buy admission online before going, since access is available through online sales.