Museo de la Estación Central del Ferrocarril Carlos Antonio López
The railway museum preserving South America's first steam locomotive
About Museo de la Estación Central del Ferrocarril Carlos Antonio López
The Estación Central del Ferrocarril, originally called Estación San Francisco, was the starting point of the first railway in South America, inaugurated in 1861. The current building was completed in 1864 under the direction of English architect Alonso Taylor and Italian architect Alejandro Ravizza. It was declared a National Historic Monument by Law 174/1993.
After the Paraguayan railway ceased regular operations, the building was converted into a themed museum dedicated to the country's railway history. It preserves the first locomotive to arrive in Paraguay, manufactured in England just 29 years after the first steam train went into operation in the early 19th century, along with railcars, machinery, locomotive blueprints, period furniture, trunks, antique telephones, Imperial typewriters, calculators, and a 1940 film projector.
The ensemble — station, platforms, workshops, and rolling stock — is one of the most visited heritage sites in Asunción's historic center and a testament to the early development of Paraguayan railways in the South American context.
Opening Hours
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 09:00–17:00
- Wednesday 09:00–17:00
- Thursday 09:00–17:00
- Friday Today 09:00–17:00
- Saturday 09:00–17:00
- Sunday 09:00–17:00
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