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Museums

Villa Ocampo

4.6 · 6,130 reviews
A quiet and intellectually charged historical sanctuary.
Villa Ocampo, Elortondo 1837, B1643 Béccar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Interesting facts
1

The villa was donated to UNESCO by Victoria Ocampo in 1973, four years before her death.

2

The estate's library contains approximately 12,000 volumes, many featuring handwritten dedications from world-renowned authors.

3

The mansion served as the editorial headquarters for 'Sur,' the most influential literary magazine in 20th-century Latin America.

4

During the 1940s, the house became a refuge for intellectuals fleeing World War II, including Igor Stravinsky.

5

The gardens were designed to reflect a mixture of English-style landscaping and native Argentine vegetation.

6

The house retains original furniture and art collections curated by Victoria Ocampo throughout her life.

Overview

Villa Ocampo is the former residence of writer and intellectual Victoria Ocampo, located in Béccar, Argentina. Built in 1891, the mansion served as a cultural hub for global literary figures, including Graham Greene, Albert Camus, and Igor Stravinsky. It is currently managed by UNESCO and the Asociación Amigos de Villa Ocampo as a historical house museum. The estate spans over 11 hectares of original gardens, featuring a mix of European and native plant species. Visitors can tour the preserved library, which contains thousands of original volumes, and explore the living quarters maintained as they were during Ocampo's residency. The architecture represents a classic example of turn-of-the-century suburban villa design in the Buenos Aires province. It acts as an archive and center for promoting Argentine intellectual history and literature.

Photo spot

The view of the mansion's rear facade from the center of the manicured gardens.

Insider tips

Prioritize exploring the library and study, as they house the most significant personal artifacts.

Take time to walk the full extent of the gardens, as they are a key part of the original property's design.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk through the gardens without appropriate footwear for grass and gravel paths.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet tone within the house, do not touch the archives or furniture, and follow guidance regarding flash photography.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Spring or Autumn for pleasant weather to enjoy both the indoor museum and the extensive garden grounds.
Address
Villa Ocampo, Elortondo 1837, B1643 Béccar, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
-34.458, -58.519
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsVictoria Ocampo’s personal library, original 20th-century furniture, and the 'Sur' magazine archive.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring or Autumn for pleasant weather to enjoy both the indoor museum and the extensive garden grounds..

The view of the mansion's rear facade from the center of the manicured gardens.

Close by you'll find San Isidro Cathedral, Costanera Municipal San Fernando, Quinta Los Ombúes.