Eva Perón (1919-1952) was born in rural Argentina, and at the age of 15, moved to Buenos Aires to pursue a career as a stage, radio, and film actress. In 1944, she met Juan Domingo Perón at a charity event for victims of a recent earthquake. A year later, the two married, and with Juan being elected President of Argentina in 1946, little Evita (as she was called by many) became the First Lady.
Eva and Juan
Over the course of the next six years, Evita was equally loved and hated, because of her pro-union support and social work. She was equally proclaimed a saint and a tyrant. No matter what your opinion is, one thing is for sure: Evita's an icon. Eva was also instrumental in getting women the right to vote in Argentina. In 1952 at the age of 33, Eva died of cancer. Shortly before her death, the Argentine Congress proclaimed her to be "The Spiritual Leader of the Nation."
Bust of Eva Perón
By the late 20th century, Eva Perón had become the subject of numerous articles, books, stage plays, and films. The most successful rendering of Eva Perón's life has been the musical Evita which was later turned into a successful film starring Madonna.
Time Capsule
On July 26, 2002, fifty years to the day after Evita’s death, her grandniece, Cristina Alvarez Rodriguez, inaugurated the Evita Museum in Buenos Aires. The museum is housed in an elegant mansion and was declared a National Historical Monument in 1999. It is only appropriate that a museum to Evita be housed in this particular building. In 1948, the Fundación Eva Perón bought, restored and designated the mansion as Hogar de Tránsito (Temporary Home) #2, a shelter for women and children with no resources.
Eva's Dress and Photo from El Hogar's Opening
On July 18, 1948, Evita inaugurated El Hogar with these words, “The Temporary Home shelters those in need and those who have no home... for as long as necessary until work and a home can be found... .” Evita offered the women and children “an open door, a place set for them at the table, a clean bed,” as well as “consolation and motivation, encouragement and hope, faith and self-confidence.”
Evita's Farewell Address
Today, this building is now the Museo Evita, a place where all can come to learn about the life of the most important woman in Argentine history. Here you will find the ex-First Lady's dresses, letters and other artifacts that trace the life of Evita.
Eva's Dress Collection
Eva's Hats
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