In a colonial house in northern Argentina, representatives from provinces across the land gathered on a winter day in 1816 to change their nation's destiny forever.

Welcome to the Historical House of Tucumán, where Argentina's declaration of independence was signed on July 9, 1816. This modest colonial building in San Miguel de Tucumán witnessed one of South America's most pivotal moments.

Today, the house stands as both a museum and a living monument, where each July 9th the entire nation turns its attention to this spot, and the President and Congress gather to commemorate the birth of Argentine sovereignty.

From Family Home to National Shrine

Built in 1760 by Francisca Bazán and Miguel Laguna, this colonial house began as a family residence in the heart of Tucumán. When the Argentine War of Independence reached its critical phase, the building was rented from the Laguna-Bazán family to host the Congress of Tucumán.

On March 1, 1816, representatives from provinces across the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata began their historic sessions here. Four months later, on July 9, 1816, they issued the declaration that severed ties with Spain. The house faced near demolition due to deterioration before being nationalized in 1874 and declared a National Historic Monument in 1941, leading to its careful reconstruction based on 1869 photographs by Ángel Paganelli.

Inside the Hall of Independence

The museum preserves the restored Hall of the Oath, the actual room where independence was declared. Period furniture reconstructs the scene of that momentous gathering, while displays include weapons from the independence era, including sabres and cannons used during the conflict.

Visitors can explore portraits of key figures like José de San Martín, the great liberator of South America. The entrance features impressive bas-reliefs by renowned sculptor Lola Mora, depicting both the declaration of independence and the May Revolution of 1810 that sparked Argentina's path to freedom. The colonial architecture itself tells the story, with its internal patio, original well (aljibe), and traditional layout.

A Living Monument

Unlike most history museums, the Historical House of Tucumán remains at the center of national life. Every July 9th since 1992, San Miguel de Tucumán becomes Argentina's symbolic capital for the day, with the President, Congress, and cabinet gathering here for independence celebrations.

Each evening, the museum hosts a light and sound show that brings the declaration to life, ending with the national anthem performed before the Argentine flag, flanked by Lola Mora's powerful sculptures. This blend of historical preservation and living tradition makes it more than a museum; it's a place where past and present converge, reminding Argentines of their shared story of freedom.

Historical House of Tucumán Highlights & Tips

• The Hall of the Oath Stand in the actual room where Argentina's independence was declared on July 9, 1816, carefully reconstructed to its original 1816 appearance.
• Lola Mora's Sculptures View the powerful bas-relief sculptures by Argentina's celebrated artist depicting the May Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.
• Nightly Light and Sound Show Experience the declaration's story through an evening multimedia presentation that concludes with the national anthem and flag ceremony.
• Colonial Architecture Explore the traditional colonial layout including the internal patio, original well, and architectural features that survived from the 18th century.
• Visit on Independence Day If possible, time your visit for July 9th when the President and Congress hold the national independence celebration at the house itself.
• Evening Shows Arrive in the evening to catch the light and sound show, which provides excellent context before exploring the museum's exhibits.
• Photography Opportunities The internal patio and the Hall of the Oath offer particularly striking photo opportunities, especially with the colonial architecture as backdrop.
• Historical Context Brush up on the Argentine War of Independence before visiting to fully appreciate the significance of what happened in these rooms.

The Historical House of Tucumán offers something rare: a chance to stand exactly where history was made. This isn't a reconstruction of events that happened elsewhere; this is the place itself, the very room where Argentina's future was decided.\n\nWhether you visit during the grand celebrations of Independence Day or on a quiet afternoon, walking through these colonial rooms connects you directly to a defining moment in South American history. The house reminds us that great changes often begin in simple spaces, where determined people gather to shape their destiny.