National Museum of Bellas Artes

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires is the country’s largest and most prestigious collection of classic art.  The museum was originally founded in 1896 in what is now the Gallerias Pacificas mall.  Its collection of art expanded rapidly, and it no time, it outgrew the location.  It was then moved to the Pabellón Argentino en the Plaza San Martin, and finally in 1933, to its current location in Recoleta.  It is located in what was originally the Casa de Bombas, a water treatment plant, which was converted into a museum by the well-known Argentine architect Alejandro Bustillo.

Like most museums, the MNBA has both a permanent collection and a section dedicated to temporary exhibits.  The permanent collection is made up of over 12,000 items, but only 700 are ever on display at any given time.  The permanent display is broken down into a collection of national and international artists.  Some of Argentina´s most famous works can be found here, by artists such as Benito Quinquela Martín, Lucio Fontana, Cándido López Enrique Alonso and Xul Solar, Spilimbergo, Pueyrredón, Fader, Berni, de la Vega, Gorriarena, Segui.  As one would imagine, it is the largest collection of Argentine art in the world.

The collection of international art is mainly from Europe, dating back to the middle ages.  This impressive collection includes such famous artists as El Greco, Rubens, Goya, Boudin, Cézanne, Renoir, and Rodin.

The museum is self-guided, although they have audioguides available for rent, in both Spanish and English.  At 35 pesos each, it is a little pricey, but it the guides are well-done and will ensure you appreciate the art you are looking at.  Entrance to the museum is itself is free.

Bottom Line: This is one of the most important art museums in South America, and the best if you are interested in Argentine classic art.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Av. Del Libertador 1473, Recoleta
Tel. 5288-9900
More information:  http://www.mnba.org.ar/

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