The National Museum of Fine Arts was inaugurated in December 1896 in the Bon Marché store on Florida Street, today Galerias Pacifico. From its origin, it was proposed as a space destined to house international art of all historical periods, and to promote and consolidate an Argentine art by then incipient.
By 1910, in times of the Centennial of the May Revolution, the Museum already had in its collection pieces by the masters Francisco de Goya, Joaquín Sorolla and Bastida, Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
In 1911, the second headquarters of the Fine Arts was inaugurated: the Argentine Pavilion, a monumental structure that the country had used in the Universal Exhibition of Paris of 1889 and that was installed in the Plaza San Martín. There, new acquisitions were exhibited that enlarged the collection, such as The surprised nymph , by Édouard Manet, and Banks of the Seine , by Claude Monet.
The institution was moved in 1933 to its current headquarters: the former Casa de Bombas de Recoleta, remodeled by the architect Alejandro Bustillo. During those years, outstanding pieces were incorporated, among them, Woman of the Sea , by Paul Gauguin, Le Moulin de la Galette , by Vincent van Gogh, and Jesus in the Garden of Olives, from El Greco.
The last decades of the twentieth century welcomed great references of international modern art. Thus, works by Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Marc Chagall, Vassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Lucio Fontana, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Henry Moore were added.
The history of local production is also narrated in the rooms of the Museum, which exhibits a vastopanorama of Argentine art, with works by its major representatives such as Cándido López, Prilidiano Pueyrredón, Emilio Pettoruti, Xul Solar, Raquel Forner, Grete Stern, Antonio Berni, Alicia Penalba, Gyula Kosice, Marta Minujín, Antonio Seguí and León Ferrari. It also has an important collection of Latin American art, which includes works by Pedro Figari, Joaquin Torres Garcia, Tarsila Do Amaral, Diego Rivera and Jesus Rafael Soto,...
Read moreWe kept saying how when we come back to BA we would stay in Retiro, but always make it a point to kick it in the Recoleta area. This is such a walkable area. We started our day by walking over to a coffee shop that was highly recommended. We sat down to enjoy our drink then walked over to this museum after we finished.
Our walk was so enjoyable. We enjoyed all the statues and busks of men with Italian last names. I was ready to give the suggested donation amount as mentioned on their website, but the man assisting out front said a bunch of words and before you know it he handed me a copy of our entrance ticket saying it was free. Muchas gracias indeed
Wherever you are in the world, free or not, make it a point to visit the Bellas Artes museum. The collection is always so impressive. It was exactly so in Mexico City. The collection here was massive. I really got my steps in. We visited every level. When I tell you, we even went to the terrace that was at the very top.
I walked every corner in every room. There was so much art. So. Much. I wish we had more time. I would’ve walked slowly to take the time to appreciate the ones that spoke to me. But alas, we had shit to do.
My favorite was the extended area which house the modern portion. I loved the area so much I went back to sit in front of the piece that...
Read moreThe Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, nestled in the picturesque Plaza Rubén Darío, is a cultural gem that art enthusiasts should not miss. The museum boasts an exceptional collection that spans various periods, styles, and artists, offering something for every type of art lover. Whether you’re captivated by classical masterpieces or modern works, the diverse range of art on display will leave you in awe. The setting itself adds to the experience, with the beautiful plaza providing a tranquil backdrop that enhances the museum’s charm.
Visiting the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is a delight regardless of how much time you have. You can easily spend hours immersing yourself in the extensive collection, losing yourself in the beauty and history that each piece represents. Alternatively, if you're short on time, a quick stroll through one of its focused collections still offers a rewarding experience. The museum is a highly recommended destination that combines the allure of a rich artistic legacy with the serene ambiance of Plaza Rubén Darío, making it a must-see for both locals and...
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