The museum is part of a larger foundation that holds one of the most important biological collections in South America.
Miguel Lillo, the museum's namesake, was a self-taught naturalist who bequeathed his entire fortune and personal herbarium to the foundation.
The collections include rare specimens of the 'yacaré' (caiman) and various endangered species native to the Argentine Northwest.
The facility manages the 'Horco Molle' experimental reserve, which works in tandem with the museum’s conservation initiatives.
It preserves thousands of botanical samples, some of which date back to Lillo's original expeditions in the early 20th century.
The Miguel Lillo Museum of Natural Sciences is a prominent research-oriented institution dedicated to the biodiversity of Northwestern Argentina. It functions under the Fundación Miguel Lillo, an entity established to honor the legacy of the botanist and naturalist Miguel Lillo. The museum houses extensive collections featuring regional flora, fauna, and geological specimens. Key displays include taxidermy exhibits of local mammals and birds, as well as prehistoric fossil remains unearthed in the Tucumán province. It serves as an educational hub for schools and researchers focused on the ecology of the Yungas and Gran Chaco biomes. The institution integrates academic research with public outreach through its curated biological displays. The site also serves as a repository for millions of specimens maintained by the Lillo Foundation for ongoing scientific study.
The central hall featuring the large-scale taxidermy displays and historical dioramas.
Check the museum's social media pages for special guided tour announcements or temporary exhibit changes.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding botanical gardens if accessible.
The museum is highly educational for children; check if there are any current interactive discovery stations available.
Do not mistake the museum for the adjacent research laboratories, which are generally off-limits to the public.
Closed on weekends and public holidays; check for potential closures during the summer recess periods common in Argentina.
Maintain a quiet volume and do not touch exhibits, particularly the fragile taxidermy and fossil displays.
