The art museums in Buenos Aires have great exponents. One of them is the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA), which is located in the Palermo Chico neighborhood and is frequently visited by tourists, natives and art fans.
The Museum offers temporary exhibitions and a stable collection, while having an open space for the production of cultural and educational activities.
Declared of cultural interest by the City of Buenos Aires and awarded as such, its imposing architecture ends up completing an artistic proposal that you cannot miss.
The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires?
The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is an iconic art museum located on Figueroa Alcorta Avenue in the Palermo section of Buenos Aires.
Created by Argentine businessman Eduardo Costantini, the museum is operated by the not-for-profit Fundación MALBA – Costantini and was inaugurated on September 21, 2001.
The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, study, and disseminate Latin American art from the early 20th century to the present day.
Exhibitions and Collections
MALBA is home to one of the most important collections of Latin American art, with approximately 400 works including paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, and objects from renowned 20th-century Latin American artists.
The museum features a dynamic and participative cultural space that presents temporary exhibitions of various kinds, often in collaboration with other museums and international collections. It also showcases contemporary Argentine and Latin American art.
Notable Works and Artists
The Costantini Collection at MALBA includes significant works by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Roberto Matta, Diego Rivera, Joaquín Torres-García, Antonio Berni, Jorge de la Vega, Tarsila do Amaral, Pedro Figari, Lygia Clark, and Guillermo Kuitca.
These pieces are part of the museum’s permanent collection, which offers a comprehensive overview of Latin American art’s diversity and complexity.
Building and Architecture
The museum’s building, designed by the Córdoba-based architectural firm Atelman-Fourcade-Tapia, was completed in 1997. The design, characterized by deconstructivist architecture, juxtaposes volumes forming polyhedral shapes and uses acute angles to highlight the edges.
The exterior is clad in Spanish limestone and green glass. The interior features a series of escalators that traverse the glass facade, offering a unique approach to accessing the collections.
Cultural and Educational Programs
MALBA is not just a museum but a cultural center that offers a wide range of activities including film screenings, literature programs, and design events.
It aims to provide educational opportunities through various programs tailored to different audiences. The museum also has a cinema that grows monthly by acquiring and preserving essential films from cinema history.
Awards and Recognitions
In May 2007, MALBA was declared a Site of Cultural Interest by the Legislature of the City of Buenos Aires. In November 2008, it received the Konex Platinum Award as the Best Cultural Entity of the Decade. These recognitions highlight MALBA’s significance in the cultural landscape of Buenos Aires and Latin America.
Visiting Information
Visitors can purchase tickets at the museum or online. It is recommended to buy tickets digitally to save time and avoid lines. The museum also features a shop and a café where visitors can enjoy refreshments.
Where is the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires located?
The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is located at Avenida Figueroa Alcorta in the Palermo neighborhood, specifically in the area known as Palermo Chico.
This exclusive residential area is surrounded by green spaces like parks and plazas, making it a pleasant and safe place to visit, especially on weekends.
Nearby Attractions
The museum’s location is close to several other notable attractions such as the Alcorta Shopping Center, the Japanese Garden, the National Museum of Decorative Arts, Floralis Genérica, and various high-end restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Accessibility
Other important avenues near MALBA include Avenida del Libertador, Las Heras, Coronel Díaz, and Casares. To the south, visitors can explore more of Palermo, a bustling neighborhood, while to the southeast lies the historic Recoleta district. Heading northwest from the museum, you will reach Palermo Hollywood and eventually Belgrano.
How to Get to the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires
By Bicycle
The museum provides a designated area on the sidewalk for parking bicycles. However, bicycles, skateboards, and scooters are not allowed inside the museum.
By Subway
You can reach MALBA using either the H or D subway lines. Both lines have stations relatively close to the museum, but you will need to walk a few blocks from the stations to reach the museum.
By Train
The Belgrano Norte train line is the closest railway to MALBA, although it is only recommended if you are coming from the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires.
By Bus
Buses are the best option for getting to MALBA. Nearby bus lines include 67, 102, and 130, among others. The museum is surrounded by major avenues, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
General admission is charged, with discounted rates for students, teachers, and seniors. Admission is free for children under 5 and people with disabilities. The museum is open from Thursday to Monday from 12:00 to 20:00 and on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 20:00.
Various banking benefits and card discounts are available. Photography without flash is allowed, and a cloakroom is available for storing valuables such as backpacks and handbags that may obstruct your visit.
Why Visit the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires?
Exhibitions and Collections
MALBA offers extensive and fascinating exhibitions across its different levels. These include sculptures, paintings, and even science fiction art with movement and animation.
The exhibitions change periodically and are well worth seeing up close, requiring both observation and auditory perception. The museum boasts approximately 400 works by the most important modern and contemporary artists from the region.
Shop
You can purchase items from the MALBA shop either in-person or online. The shop offers notebooks, publications, postcards, and books, which can serve as decorative items or souvenirs if you find the museum visit significant.
Café and Bar
Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the museum’s cafes. One café is located next to the escalators in the entrance hall, while the other is on the upper floors offering an incredible view.
MALBA Cinema and Other Activities
MALBA has a cinema with a constantly changing program. Here, you can enjoy film cycles on various themes. The museum also offers public programs in literature, education, and lectures for those interested in art and culture.
Tips for Attending a Cinema in Buenos Aires
When attending a cinema in Buenos Aires, consider the following: tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, there may be a wait before entry, films are often in the original language with Spanish subtitles, and snacks like popcorn and drinks are available.
Always check the schedule and be aware of the showtimes to plan your visit accordingly.
