Museum of the Foundation Area, Archaeological museum in Plaza Pedro del Castillo, Mendoza, Argentina.

The Museo del Área Fundacional is an archaeological museum on Plaza Pedro del Castillo that displays artifacts, documents, and architectural elements from Mendoza's early settlement. The permanent exhibitions present collections that document the original founding and city development across several centuries.

The museum opened in 1993 on Plaza Pedro del Castillo, the spot where Pedro del Castillo founded Mendoza in 1561. The colonial cabildo stood here until the 1861 earthquake destroyed it; later the site held a slaughterhouse (1877) and a municipal fair (1930).

The museum displays works by local artists and photographs that document how Mendoza and its people changed over generations. These exhibitions help visitors understand the city's evolution through artistic and visual perspectives.

The museum sits in the historic center and is easy to reach on foot when exploring downtown. Visitors should note that opening hours vary between weekdays and weekends, so it helps to check visiting times before you go.

On the north wall of the museum, marks left by the execution of the Carrera brothers can be seen. The underground level also preserves the remains of the town fountain destroyed in the 1861 earthquake, along with vestiges of the colonial roadway.