National Historical Museum of Buenos Aires Town Hall and the May Revolution

Bolívar 65
Tel. 4334-1782 / 4342-6729
Open Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 :30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holidays: February

This Museum occupies the same site assigned to it by Juan de Garay in 1580 when he founded Buenos Aires. The first building had adobe walls and a straw roof. In 1933 it was declared a National Historic Site after some mutilations in the name of "progress". Architect Mario Buschiazzo was responsible for its final restoration. On October 12, 1940, Mr. Ricardo Levene opened the doors of the building as a Museum, where the "Recovery and Defence of Buenos Aires", and the "May Revolution" are evoked.
In the reception room, three water-colours by Carlos F. Pellegrini offer a view of Plaza de Mayo ("May Square") in 1829. Antique pieces of furniture complete the scene, together with the printing machine of the Foundlings' Home. The Religious Art Room exhibits images and valuable objects dating back to the old Viceroyalty ("Virreinato"), while in the Recovery and Defence of Buenos Aires Room visitors can contemplate portraits of Liniers and Álzaga, Beresford's watch, and period medals, coins and chandeliers. Portraits of viceroys, and pieces of furniture belonging to illustrious men are exhibited in the Council Chamber, where the First Government Junta ("Primera Junta de Gobierno") took oath.
The May 22 Gallery can also be visited. It was here that the Open Town Council Meeting was held on May 22, 1810, a decisive event in the birth of the nation.