The Parque de la Memoria is a place that invites you, as a foreigner or native, to remember with respect and silence the victims of state terrorism in Argentina. The darkest period of Argentina left a deep wound in society whose scar is still felt in the memory of many people.
In the Parque de la Memoria there is the monument to the victims of state terrorism, which includes the names of all those who disappeared, were tortured and murdered between 1969 and 1983, years in which armed violence from the State (constitutional and dictatorial) became commonplace.
We invite you to visit this iconic place in Buenos Aires, which is located in a very important area of the city, the Costanera Norte.
Parque de la Memoria – Monument to the Victims of State Terrorism (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is Parque de la Memoria?
Parque de la Memoria in Buenos Aires is a public space created in 1998 to honor the victims of state terrorism. It serves as a memorial and aims to remind current and future generations of the horrors committed by the state and the importance of ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
In addition to the Monument to the Victims of State Terrorism, the park houses a Public Consultation Database, a Public Art Program, and the PAys Room (Presentes, Ahora y Siempre) designed for reflection and discussions on human rights and democratic development.
Located on Avenida Costanera Norte, adjacent to the Ciudad Universitaria of the University of Buenos Aires, and just 300 meters from Jorge Newbery Airport, the park is situated near one of the military airports used for the infamous “death flights,” where detainees were thrown into the sea or the Río de la Plata.
Spanning 14 hectares along the Río de la Plata, Parque de la Memoria was designed by the Baudizzone-Lestard-Varas architectural firm.
Monument to the Victims of State Terrorism
The park’s most iconic feature is the Monument to the Victims of State Terrorism, designed as a ramp-like path resembling a giant wound in the grass, leading towards the river. The monument includes several walls inscribed with the names of those detained, disappeared, and murdered by the repressive actions between 1969 and 1983.
The concrete steles contain thirty thousand Patagonian porphyry plaques, of which about nine thousand are engraved with names, arranged chronologically by the year of disappearance or murder and alphabetically. Each plaque also indicates the victim’s age, and cases involving pregnant women are specifically marked.
The names on the monument were compiled using reports from the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons (CONADEP) and subsequent reports to relevant authorities such as the Human Rights Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and the Judiciary.
The monument also includes the names of people killed during repression and victims of parapolice actions under constitutional governments before the 1976-1983 military dictatorship.
Public Consultation Database
The Public Consultation Database contains information about the lives and circumstances of the disappearance or murder of each person named on the monument. This database is supplemented with digital documentation, such as photos and newspaper articles.
Given the secretive nature of state terrorism, which involved total concealment of information about victims, this database is not definitive and remains open to future additions from other documentary sources, information from reopened human rights trials, and new reports submitted to the Argentine government.
While the Research Area does not formally accept reports, it documents new cases and refers them to the relevant authorities for appropriate institutional handling.
Areas of Work
Parque de la Memoria is not just a memorial site; it also serves various functions related to visual arts, education, and research.
Sculptures
The park is also known for its 17 sculptures, twelve of which were selected through a competition, while the rest were created by artists with a strong commitment to human rights.
These sculptures are scattered throughout the 14-hectare park, inviting visitors to take their time exploring the space.
Notable Visits
The park has hosted visits from foreign dignitaries, including former French President François Hollande, who paid tribute to all French citizens who were victims of Argentina’s last military dictatorship, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Hours and Visiting Days
Parque de la Memoria is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including holidays. Admission is free, with entry via Avenida Costanera Norte Rafael Obligado 6745.
Please note that bicycles, skates, or skateboards are not allowed in the park, and it is prohibited to enter with motorcycles, access the docks, or fish in the river.
Where is Parque de la Memoria?
Parque de la Memoria is a public space located along the estuary of the Río de la Plata in the northernmost part of the Belgrano neighborhood in Buenos Aires.
The park is situated on Avenida Costanera Norte Rafael Obligado, a classic area in the northern part of Buenos Aires. The avenue features a long promenade with a pedestrian path and an exclusive bicycle lane.
Along Costanera Norte, you’ll find Jorge Newbery Airport (Buenos Aires’ second most important airport), the Monument to Christopher Columbus, street food stalls, the Costanera Norte Sports Park, Tierra Santa (a Catholic theme park), and various dining options.
The avenue also leads to Ciudad Universitaria, where several faculties and programs of the University of Buenos Aires are located.
Nearby neighborhoods include Núñez, Saavedra, and Vicente López, forming a significant part of northern Buenos Aires. To the south of Avenida Costanera Norte are the neighborhoods of Palermo and Retiro.
How to Get to Parque de la Memoria?
Located north of Avenida Costanera Norte, access to Parque de la Memoria is not as direct as in other parts of Buenos Aires. However, the area is safe and peaceful, thanks to the constant tourist and recreational activity.
The best way to reach Parque de la Memoria is by private vehicle or bicycle. You can arrive quickly by car or bike, but finding parking, especially for cars, may take some time. Remember that bicycles are not allowed inside Parque de la Memoria.
If you prefer not to drive, the bus is the best option. Several bus lines travel along Avenida Costanera Norte, so it’s just a matter of finding the most direct route. Some bus lines include 28, 33, 37, 45, 107, 160, and 166.
Is the train an option for getting to Parque de la Memoria? Yes, specifically the Belgrano Norte railway, which has a station at Ciudad Universitaria, just a few blocks from the park.
Why Visit Parque de la Memoria?
Reflect on Argentina’s Dark Past
Parque de la Memoria does not aim to heal or close the wounds of the past. However, it’s impossible for visitors not to empathize with the disappeared and their families, all victims of state terrorism during and before the military dictatorship.
When you closely observe the plaques bearing the names of the disappeared and murdered, you can’t help but think about how many lives and dreams were cut short by a state-designed process of disappearance and murder.
For foreigners, this offers a direct way to grasp the events of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s in Argentina.
Enjoy a Moment of Tranquility and Reflection
Parque de la Memoria is not a green space for playing, running, or exercising. As a place of memory and reflection, the priority is to maintain silence to honor the victims of state terrorism.
The park is large enough for you to find a comfortable spot to sit on the grass, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the stunning view of the Río de la Plata.
Visit the On-Site Café
The park features a café called Espacio García Café, where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. You can also take your coffee in a thermal cup to enjoy while walking through the park.
Plan a Tour Along Costanera Norte
Parque de la Memoria can be one stop on your tour of Costanera Norte. The area offers other tourist attractions, such as Ciudad Universitaria, Parque Norte, Jorge Newbery Airport, the Monument to Christopher Columbus, and a wide array of restaurants and street food stalls that are hard to resist.
