Parque de la Memoria - Monumento a las Víctimas del Terrorismo de Estado

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Monument to the Victims of State Terrorism features over 30,000 names engraved on stone stelae.

2. 2

   The park's site was chosen because the Río de la Plata was used as a dumping ground for victims of the military regime.

3. 3

   The design of the spiral path is inspired by the weekly marches held by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.

4. 4

   The park contains the 'Sala PAyS' (Presentes, Ahora y Siempre), a space dedicated to exhibitions and pedagogical activities.

5. 5

   The sculptures within the park are chosen through international competitions to ensure a diverse perspective on the memory of state terrorism.

6. 6

   The ground levels of the park were raised to ensure the monument remains visible above the river's high-tide line.

7. 7

   The park was created through a municipal law passed in 1998, establishing it as a permanent site of collective memory.

8. 8

   The stelae are arranged chronologically by the date of the victims' disappearances or murders.

Overview

Parque de la Memoria is a 14-hectare public memorial park located on the banks of the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires. It commemorates the victims of the state terrorism perpetrated during the 1976–1983 military dictatorship. The core feature is the Monument to the Victims of State Terrorism, which consists of a winding path shaped like a spiral, etched with the names of the disappeared. The park integrates twelve contemporary art sculptures throughout its grounds, reflecting on themes of human rights and memory. The terrain is intentionally kept as an open, green expanse to contrast with the rigid, authoritarian history it honors. Its location on the riverbank holds historical significance, as the river was a primary site for the 'death flights' during the dictatorship. The memorial functions as both a site of political protest and a space for historical research.

Insider tips

• Bring a jacket even in warm weather, as the river breeze can be very strong and cold.

• Allow extra time to walk the entire length of the path, as the experience is intended to be slow and meditative.

• Check the website for ongoing temporary exhibitions, as the indoor gallery space changes frequently.