Top Five Museums to Visit in Buenos Aires
Where to Go for Art, History, and Culture in Argentina’s Capital
Humble but impressive, museums in Buenos Aires tend to favor quality over quantity. No lines and cheap admissions will delight budget travelers short on time and money. Although descriptions tend to be exclusively in Spanish, the intriguing exhibits and unique collections in these five museums speak for themselves.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Buenos Aires most important fine arts museum occupies the pinkish-orange building of the former water pump house. Inaugurated in 1933, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes boasts an extensive collection of international and national artwork. The ground floor displays international artists from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. Highlights include Rodin’s famous sculpture The Kiss, as well as works by Picasso, Modigliani, Pollack, and Degas. On the upper floor is a room dedicated to Pre-Colombian art, as well as a permanent collection of works by Argentine artists, such as Pettoruti and Pueyrredón.
Av. Libertador 1473. Tues-Fri 12:30pm-8:30pm, Sat-Sun, holidays 9:30pm-8:30pm. Adm. free. *
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA)
Opened in 2001, the MALBA features modern and contemporary Latin American art from the 20th century through present day. On permanent display is the private collection of Eduardo F. Costantini, over two hundred and seventy pieces by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Antonio Berni, and Joaquín Torres García. Designed to be an educational, multicultural meeting space, the MALBA also hosts temporary exhibits, movies, workshops, and lectures, as well as a café and bookstore.
Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415. Open Thurs-Mon, holidays 12pm-8pm, Wed until 9pm. Admission $15, under 12 free, Wed free. Guided tours in English and Spanish upon request.
Museo Xul Solar
Alejandro Xul Solar was a prominent member of the artistic vanguard. His works are singular, highly symbolic and heavily influenced by his interest in the fields of astrology, philosophy, and mysticism, among others. More than just a painter, Xul Solar invented two languages and the game of pan-chess, modified musical notation and the piano keyboard, and devised a puppet show for adults. Following the artist’s death, his home was renovated and converted into a museum dedicated to his life’s work. The award winning building, opened in 1993, features Xul Solar’s unique paintings and sculptures, as well as a chessboard, a customized piano, and documents from the artist’s personal archives.
Laprida 1212. Open Tues-Fri 12pm-7:30pm, Sat 12pm-7pm. Adm. $6. Guided tours Tues, Thurs 4pm, Sat 3:30pm.
Museo de Artes Plásticas Eduardo Sívori
Located in front of the rose garden in Palermo’s Parque Tres de Febrero is the Museo de Artes Plásticas Eduardo Sívori. Founded in 1938 and named for the painter credited with introducing naturalism to Argentina, the museum features Argentine art of all styles from the first half of the 20th century through present day. In addition to a permanent collection of national artists, the museum also displays temporary exhibits, and houses a gift shop, café, and a lovely sculpture garden.
Av. Infanta Isabel 555, Parque Tres de Febrero. Open Tues-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun, Holidays 10am-6pm; open until 8pm in the summer. Adm. $1. Wed, Sat free.
Buque Museo Fragata Presidente Sarmiento
Inaugurated in 1897, the Fragata Presidente Sarmiento was a naval vessel dedicated solely to teaching. The ship sailed international waters as part of the Armada Argentina (Argentine Navy) between 1899-1938, but never once saw battle. After retiring from service in 1960, it was transformed into a floating museum. Anchored in Puerto Madero, the museum offers insight into life as a sailor as well as chronicles the ship’s history. Visitors can wander around the outer deck, living quarters, and engine room. Of particular interest are a torpedo, a display of old scuba equipment and fire gear, and a stuffed dog named “Lampazo,” a supposed former pet.
Puerto Madero, Dique 3. Open Mon-Sun, Holidays 10am-7pm. Adm. $2, under 5 free.
*Prices listed in pesos.
**All prices and schedules subject to change.
For more suggestions of what to do and see in Buenos Aires, check out Buenos Aires Top Tourist Attractions.
Sculpture Garden Museo Eduardo Sívori
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Buque Museo
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