Buenos Aires has a rich history which you can explore in the numerous museums dispersed throughout the city. Whether you’re in Buenos Aires for the long haul, or just a quick visit, these museums are a must!
1. Museo de Arte Decorativo
This museum is the former palace of a Chilean diplomat, Matías Errazuriz, who married into the wealthy Alvear family. When approaching the museum, you’ll first notice the stunning entrance gates and the building’s grandiose neoclassical façade. Although it still looks like a private estate, walk right through the gates and enter the museum. I like to think of this property as having a personality disorder. It’s not sure if it’s Argentine, European, Chilean, Chinese, a grand palace or a gallery, which makes is even more interesting to explore.
Since the family bequeathed the building and its art collection to Argentine government immediately following the passing of Mrs. Errazuriz in 1935, the palace has been well preserved. I suggest taking the guided tour in English to learn about each room and about how the very high-class families lived. Don’t miss the 2-floor bathroom with a fantastic view of nearby parks. Another treat this museum has to offer is the large exhibition space on the ground floor. After perusing this mixed display of heavy armor, Oriental artifacts and a stunning silk panel collection, no visitor will leave uninspired.
*Tip: Eat like a king at the Croque Madame café located within the palace gates.
2. Museo de Arte Latino Americano de Buenos Aires (MALBA)
This museum is awesome for many reasons. First, it is the cleanest place in Buenos Aires. Second is that it has a permanent collection that has a little something for everyone: sculptures that move, a magnificent Frida Kahlo, and paintings by important Argentine artists that offer a visual history lesson for those allergic to books.
On the first floor (up the escalator), keep an eye out for work by Argentine artist Antonio Berni. His mural-sized paintings are hard to miss and are usually highlighted throughout the museum by bright-colored background panels. Manifestación (1934) is one of his most famous pieces. It is a huge canvas filled with people who have gathered to protest the economic and social crises of the 1930’s. What makes this work so interesting is the perspective with which Berni paints and the subjects that he chose to paint. Check out the way Berni uses a unique perspective to show the ominous presence of the masses and individualized faces. The faces and general appearance of the protesters show a variety of social classes and races. Newspaper photographs and graphics from the press at the time directly inspired most of these images.
*Tip: If you have some extra cash, take a breather mid-museum at the MALBA café. If you order a café it comes with four delicious tiny cakes.
*Students: Take your school ID card to get in free on Wednesdays
3. Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández
This museum is a quick stop in which you can learn a lot about gaucho life and see important cultural artifacts. Pass through the beautiful Spanish-style patio to the main gallery building and take in the vast collection of antique mate gourds, silver jewelry and weapons.
Tip: Entrance is free on Sundays
4. Museo Evita
The Evita Museum is an excellent learning tool for those interested in Evita’s powerful history and her delicate balance act between Argentina’s upper and lower classes. A guided tour is entirely helpful in navigating the museum and must be planned ahead of time. The museum takes visitors through Evita’s life in chronological order and has private rights to important videos and texts. For the fashionista, many of Evita’s dresses and suits are on display next to photos of her in the same get-up. For the skeptical visitor, there are a few rooms dedicated to the propaganda and strange publications printed during the Peronist reign.
*Tip: Reward yourself for having visited the museum by enjoying a café in the museum’s lovely outdoor restaurant.
5. Museo de las Bellas Artes
This museum’s claim to fame is that they house the largest public art collection in all of Latin America while also incorporating an extensive collection of European Impressionists. The European art wing includes over 700 works of art from renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Toulouse Lautrec. If you wish to learn more about Argentine artists and their contribution within a global context, you should definitely take a guided tour.
*Tip: After visiting the museum, check out the nearbyRecoleta Cementerio and the Floralis Genérica.
