Having been elbow-deep in various other obligations and pursuits, I have been a terrible blogger.  But I’m actively scheduling some upcoming visits, so I had better work through my backlog here.  I’m not going to say too much about the MALBA, as it is widely called, because…it’s really famous.  If you’re an art-interested traveler touring Buenos Aires, it’s already on your agenda.  As it should be.

The Museo de Arte Lantinoamericano de Buenos Aires was founded in 2001 to promote modern Latin American art.  It is very active in the cultural scene, regularly screens films, and gets around a million visitors a year.

There’s an impressive permanent collection, with all the usual suspects and more.

There’s also these amazing benches, probably my favorite museum seating in the world so far.  It’s actually very comfortable.

I am very fond of birds.

What’s that?  Fun, interactive pieces?  Duh.

(Seven Unexpected Movements, Julio Le Parc)

The permanent collection is a real treat, but the MALBA also moves some pretty extensive temporary exhibitions through.  When I visited, there was an exhibition of Pablo Suárez, an Argentine painter and sculptor with a pretty broad stylistic range.

You’ll burn a few hours in the MALBA, which is pretty much a can’t-miss stop in Buenos Aires if you’re at all into Latin American art and culture.  Signage is in Spanish and English.  There’s a nice restaurant with a solid menu, and a pricey gift shop.  The museum is open from 12 to 8 (and an hour later on Wednesdays) except Tuesdays, when it is closed.  General admission is, at the time of this post but haha Argentina inflation so do double check, $170 pesos (reduced admission for students, teachers, and local retirees is $85), except on Wednesdays when it’s $85 (and reduced admission patrons are free).  Under 5 and disabled visitors are always free.  Private group guided visits in English can be arranged by email.

The MALBA is located in Palermo, kind of between the Japanese Gardens and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, close to many other major museums and attractions.  Fewer places in the city are easier to get to via bus, taxi, subway (D line), or on foot.