Museo de Arte Latino de Buenos Aires (MALBA) - Museum Buenos Aires - Argentina

Established in 1995 with the mission to collect, conserve, study and present the art of the region, MALBA has become one of Buenos Aires' most popular and important museums. This is a great destination for everyone from the veteran art enthusiast to the novice picture gazer looking to get a casual crash course in contemporary Latin American art. The modern, light-filled building, designed in 1995 and completed in 1997, is as stylish and conceptual as the work it houses.

Arranged chronologically, the collection starts with pieces from the early 20th century and progresses linearly up to the present. Included is a broad range of multi-media work from all corners of Latin America. The second floor is home to the permanent collection, Arte Latinoamericano Siglo XX, a comparative exploration of Latin American art and its creators from the beginning of the 20th century avant-garde movement to the present day. Temporary installations and exhibits are in the basement and on the third floor, often promoting compelling young artists or commemorating the lifetime works of established ones.

Films from across the region are shown on the ground floor from Thursday to Sunday throughout the day. Current information on exhibits and film schedules can be found on the museum's website. Free movie showings take place each Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m., otherwise tickets are $10 for adults and $5 students and children.

The museum is a lovely walk (buses 67, 102, and 130 also do the trick) from Palermo´s extensive green parks and is planked by an upscale neighborhood of private homes and embassy buildings.

The Malba is open every day (except Tuesday) from noon to 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on Wednesday). Admission is free for everyone on Wednesday (arrive early to beat the crowds) and everyday for students, seniors over 65, children under 12 and people with disabilities. Special hour-long guided tours in both Spanish and English are available with reservations (4808-6541, guias@malba.org.ar). A tour is not necessary to enjoy the facilities, but could be helpful for English speakers wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the history, as most text is exclusively in Spanish.

A snack at the trendy cafe attached to the museum (WiFi equipped) is the perfect way to round out the visit for the traveler with a little leeway in the budget department. Don't forget to peek into the impressive gift shop and book store. Although the collection is well rounded and impressive, it is relatively small and visitors can breeze through in 45 minutes to two hours, or leisurely enjoy an enlightening, air-conditioned afternoon.

Location:
Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415

Buenos Aires, Argentina

T +54 (11) 4808 6500 | 6515

F +54 (11) 4808 6598/99

Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Museum

Getting There
The museum is located on a principal street and is serviced by several bus lines. The 102 stops directly in front.

Travel Tips: English language guides are from Monday to Friday between 9:30 a.m and 6:30 p.m.

Reservations can be made via email or phone.

54-11-4808-6541

guias@malba.org.ar

Price Description: General Admission: $4

Senior Citizens (+65 with valid ID): $2.50

Students and Children under 12: Free

Free for all on Wednesdays

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Noon

Open Hours to:8 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays)

Days Closed:Tuesday

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: All bags must be checked at bottom floor before entering main area.

The museum is located at the beginning of the Palermo district. It is within walking distance from the Botanical Gardens, Zoo and Japanese Gardens. For those seeking more museums, the Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas is three blocks away.

Contact Information:
Zip: C1425CLA
Phone: 54-11-4808-6500 / 6515
Fax: 54-11-4808-6598 / 99
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.malba.org.ar
URL: www.malba.org.ar

About this Page

By Brandon Bragato
I like to experience the world for what it is, the good and the bad....

Updated: 08 Jan 2008