Buenos Aires Museums

Information about some of the most popular museums in Buenos Aires, as well as details about cultural programmes and events related to museums...

Museums Night

Once a year the Government of Buenos Aires City organises an event called Museums Night (La Noche de los Museos). It consists of a varied programme of activities aimed at all sorts of audiences (including children). Thousands of people enjoy this event, which grows in size and quality every year. The programme starts at 20:00 and ends at around 03:00.

  • For more information on Museums Night: Click here (in Spanish)
Buenos Aires' Museums Mile - A Cultural Tour

This cultural programme invites people to travel around Buenos Aires' museums on the Museums Mile tour on foot, by bicycle or by tourist bus. Depending on the visitor's preference, the tour can be completed in 48 hours or three days.

Bicycles are lent free of charge by the Government of Buenos Aires through the programme Mejor en bici (It's better on a bicycle).

  • For information on how to take the tour by tourist bus: Click here (PDF in Spanish)
Museums in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has many museums and art galleries with something for everyone. Below are details of some of the primary museums in the city.

MALBA - Fundación Costantini - Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires: The MALBA museum houses a permanent exhibition of 300 works of art; the artists include Frida Kahlo, Wilfredo Lam, Roberto Matta, Diego Rivera and Antonio Berni. The museum also exhibits contemporary artworks. A cultural centre, art and film exhibitions, and a range of cultural activities complete the Museum's programme of artistic events.

  • MALBA
    At    : Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415
    Tel: (011) 4808-6500
    Open: Thursday to Monday and holidays 12:00-20:00, Wednesday 12:00-21:00

National History Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution (Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y de la Revolución de Mayo): The building and collections of the National History Museum represent a unique record of the historical and political events that played an important role in forging the nation's identity. The council building, the Cabildo as an institution, the British invasion in 1806 and the May Revolution of 1810 are all significant to the country's history.

  • National History Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution
    At    : Bolivar 65
    Tel: (011) 4334-1782
    Open: Wednesday to Friday 10:00-17:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00-18:00
    e-mail

National Historical Museum (El Museo Histórico Nacional): The museum exhibits paintings by José Gil de Castro, Cándido López, Pedro Subercaseaux and Juan Manuel Blanes. It also features an important collection of daguerreotypes, antique photos and miniatures; inkpots used when the 1816 Declaration of Independence and the 1853 Constitution articles were signed; an original manuscript of the Argentine epic poem Martin Fierro; and collections of weapons, coins and stamps.

  • National Historical Museum
    At    : Defensa 1600
    Tel: (011) 4307-3157
    Open: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:00-18:00, Thursday 11:00-21:00
    e-mail

Modern Art Museum (Museo de Arte Moderno): The focus of this museum is on displaying works by artists in the vanguard of contemporary art. It features modern Argentinian art of the 1940s, 50s and 60s and contemporary works from the international field up to the present day.

  • Modern Art Museum
    At    : Av. San Juan 350
    Tel: (011) 4342-3001
    Open: Monday to Friday 12:00-19:00, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11:00-20.00
    e-mail

National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes): This museum has a collection of approximately 11,000 pieces, consisting mainly of paintings, engravings and sculptures representing European, Asian and American artists of different periods, including modern times.

Manzana de las Luces: The Manzana de las Luces (Illuminated Block) is a block in the centre of Buenos Aires City, surrounded by Perú, Moreno, Bolivar and Alsina streets. The block contains a large number of historic buildings, which in some cases date back to 1661 when the Jesuits began building the San Ignacio church. The National Commission of the Manzana de las Luces promotes several activities and events, among which are guided tours, conferences, seminars and book presentations.

  • Manzana de las Luces
    At    : Perú 222
    Tel: (011) 4342-9930
    Guided tours: Monday to Friday 15:00, Saturday and Sunday 15:00, 16:30 and 18:00
    e-mail

Museum of the City (Museo de la Ciudad): The museum has a collection of documents recording building development and local customs; there are also exhibits such as traditional doors and fences, tiles, antique furniture, photographs, magazines, advertisements and toys. The museum also has a library specialising in material relating to the city.

Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia): Visitors to this museum will find 23 collections related to natural sciences, which include geology, palaeontology, zoology and botany. There are many specimens of local interest, as well as exhibits from other international regions; items for the museum have been collected since the nineteenth century.

House of Carlos Gardel Museum (Museo Casa Carlos Gardel): The museum is located in the house where Carlos Gardel and his mother lived. It was reconstructed taking into account its original architectural concept. There are all kind of personal objects and exhibits relating to the famous tango singer, who was known as "El Zorzal Criollo".

  • House of Carlos Gardel Museum
    At: Jean Jaurés 735
    Tel: (011) 4964-2015
    Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11:00-18:00, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00-19:00
    e-mail

Tigre Art Museum (Museo de Arte Tigre): The museum has several collections of figurative Argentine paintings dating from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. Additionally, it houses temporary exhibitions featuring a wide variety of artists and styles.

  • Tigre Art Museum
    At: Paseo Victorica 972, Tigre
    Tel: (011) 4512-4528
    Open: Wednesday to Friday 09:00-19:00; Saturday and Sunday 12:00-19:00
    e-mail