Ecocentro Puerto Madryn

In season, southern right whales approach the promontory of this emblem of Madryn’s ecological commitment, a striking building that draws on Patagonia’s “Magellanic” architectural tradition and permits the maximum penetration of natural light. Crowned by a tower that yields distant views of Península Valdes across the Golfo Nuevo, it’s the work of a nonprofit institution striving to bring environmental education, research, and the arts under the same roof.

As a maritime-life educational center, the Ecocentro has superb displays of South Atlantic fauna, including birds, seals, and especially whales; one of the most interesting, though, is a living tidal pool. Even the surrounding gardens, though, serve an educational purpose—rather than planting water-hungry lawns, the directors have chosen to preserve the coastal desert flora native to the region.

Reached by a spiral staircase, the three-level tower holds a library, an exhibition room for local artists and authors, and a reading room. Painting, photography, and sculpture are all on display; the spacious ground-floor atrium accommodates the larger works. There is also a theater, seating about 150 persons for concerts and other events, a crafts and souvenir shop, and a café.

Reached by Boulevard Almirante Brown, about five minutes from downtown by taxi, 15 minutes by bicycle, and 40 minutes on foot, the Ecocentro (Julio Verne 3784, tel. 02965/457470, mar@ecocentro.org.ar, www.ecocentro.org.ar, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily except Tuesday) charges admission of US$3 adults, US$2 retired individuals, and US$1 kids. English-speaking personnel can answer specific questions.