Museo Histórico UNC Manzana Jesuítica

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Museo Histórico de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba – Manzana Jesuítica, located in the heart of Córdoba, Argentina, offers a captivating journey through centuries of academic, architectural, and cultural heritage. Situated within the historic Jesuit Block, this museum occupies the original building of the National University of Córdoba, the oldest university in Argentina. It stands as a living monument to the university’s storied past and its continuing legacy. Visitors entering this emblematic site are transported through time, discovering more than four centuries of educational and colonial history within a singular, richly preserved space.

About the Museum

The museum invites visitors to explore the history of the oldest university in Argentina, tracing its development from its earliest years to the present day, thereby unveiling more than four hundred years of academic history. Visitors may walk through the very first building of the university and experience spaces that speak to its origins. Among the museum’s highlights are the Old Library, also known as the Jesuit Collection; the Graduation Hall; the American Cartography Hall; and the Early Printed Book and Special Collections galleries.

In addition, visitors can discover Colonial architecture in Córdoba through detailed architectural models of iconic buildings, enhancing their appreciation for the city’s historical urban fabric. The experience is enriched by the ability to also visit the adjacent Church of the Society of Jesus, depending on its variable opening hours.

Guided tours are available Monday through Friday, in English at 10:00 and in Spanish at 11:00 and 15:00; on Saturdays and public holidays, English‑language guided tours take place at 10:00 and Spanish ones at 11:00. English‑language tours require booking at least twenty‑four hours in advance, while Spanish‑language tours allow check‑in at the front desk five minutes before the scheduled time.

Self‑guided visits are also welcome: guests who arrive without advance booking may tour independently using their mobile phones, and a recommendation is offered to begin self‑guided tours at least half an hour before closing time.

Ticketing is handled at the front desk. Students of the National University of Córdoba, children under seven years of age, seniors residing in Argentina, and visitors with disabilities can enter free of charge upon presenting appropriate credentials. General admission fees for guided tours are set at two thousand five hundred Argentine pesos for residents and five thousand Argentine pesos for non‑residents; for self‑guided tours, the respective fees are fifteen hundred pesos for residents and two thousand five hundred pesos for non‑residents. Notably, admission is free on Wednesdays.

Interesting Facts

The museum is housed in the original building of the National University of Córdoba, which is the oldest university in Argentina, with more than four hundred years of history on display.
Visitors can explore the Old Library (Jesuit Collection), the Graduation Hall, the American Cartography Hall, and galleries dedicated to Early Printed Books and Special Collections.
The museum features architectural models that showcase Colonial architecture and the most iconic buildings of Córdoba.
The museum sits within the Jesuit Block, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance.
The adjacent Church of the Society of Jesus can also be visited, enhancing the museum experience with spiritual and architectural context.
Guided tours are offered daily in English and Spanish, and self‑guided tours are available via mobile phone; scheduling and entry conditions vary by language and must be confirmed in advance.
Admission policies favor inclusivity, granting free access to university students, children under seven, seniors residing in Argentina, and visitors with disabilities; Wednesdays are entirely free of charge.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +54 351 433 2075

Website: museohistorico.unc.edu.ar/english/

Facebook: facebook.com/MuseoHistoricoUNCManzanaJesuitica/

Conclusion

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an admirer of colonial architecture, or simply curious about the legacy of one of Latin America’s oldest universities, the Museo Histórico de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba – Manzana Jesuítica offers an enriching and immersive experience. Through its carefully preserved spaces—the library, cartography hall, graduation room, and special collections—visitors are invited to step into centuries of academic tradition and architectural splendour.

The museum blends education with heritage, allowing guests to engage with the past through guided tours or independently at their own pace. Its location within the UNESCO‑recognised Jesuit Block adds depth, connecting the academic narrative to broader historical and cultural currents.

With accessible admission policies and spaces that beautifully reflect Córdoba’s colonial roots, the museum is a welcoming destination for all. Whether arriving solo, with family, or as part of a study group, you are assured of a memorable, enlightening visit. The Museo Histórico UNC – Manzana Jesuítica truly opens a door to exploring a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and intellectual heritage—awaiting your discovery.