Glaciarium is a modern museum about glaciers and climate change, outside El Calafate on the road towards Los Glaciares National Park. Its exhibits explain how glaciers form and explore the Southern Patagonian Ice Field through interactive displays, models, films and art. You can also learn about historic expeditions and the park’s discovery. At the end, head downstairs to the Glaciobar, where the walls and glasses are made of ice. A free hourly shuttle runs from downtown, so the museum is easy to add before or after a glacier outing.
A museum devoted to Patagonia’s glaciers
Glaciarium is an interpretation centre focused on ice, glaciers and climate science, with particular attention to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Its displays explain how glaciers form and change, and how they affect the regional environment. The subject connects directly with the glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park, making the museum useful context for a visit to the ice itself.
The building’s exterior is shaped to resemble a glacier. Inside, the presentation uses interactive exhibits, models, photographs, video and art installations to make the science accessible. Displays and films are available in English as well as Spanish.
Exhibits, films and temporary art
The exhibition follows the development and movement of glaciers, with material on the history of the Patagonian ice fields and the people who explored them. It also addresses climate change and the effects of a warming climate on glaciers. Interactive elements and three-dimensional models help explain processes that can be difficult to see in the landscape alone.
Films add another perspective. A 3D presentation covers the national park, while screenings include the rupturing of the Perito Moreno Glacier, when an ice bridge forms and eventually collapses. Temporary art exhibitions sit alongside the educational displays, so the museum experience is not limited to scientific interpretation.
The underground Glaciobar
The Glaciobar is in the museum’s basement and is made from glacial ice. The room is kept at around -10°C, and visitors are given thermal clothing, boots and gloves for the cold. A visit to the bar is a separate experience from the museum itself; its admission is paid separately.
The bar has an allocated 20-minute visit, with drinks served in ice glasses. One unusual detail is the use of old Perito Moreno Glacier ice in a whiskey. Check the separate bar arrangements when planning your visit, and dress for the cold even though protective clothing is supplied.
Getting to the museum
Glaciarium is outside central El Calafate, towards Los Glaciares National Park. A free shuttle runs hourly from downtown, including from the tourism bureau area. If you are planning a glacier visit, the museum can fit before or after it and provide background on the ice formations you will see.
The site has a restaurant, restrooms and wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restroom facilities. Tickets in advance are recommended. The museum also has educational videos in English and Spanish, which can help if you prefer to follow the exhibits in either language.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you get to Glaciarium from downtown El Calafate?
A free shuttle runs hourly from downtown, including from the tourism bureau area.
Is the ice bar included in the museum visit?
No. The Glaciobar has a separate entrance fee.
How long is a visit to the ice bar?
The ice-bar visit is allocated 20 minutes.
What should you wear to the Glaciobar?
The room is around -10°C. Thermal clothing, boots and gloves are provided, but warm clothing is useful.