Best Museums in Buenos Aires

While the architecture, the cuisine, and dance are all great representations of Buenos Aires, there is another highlight of the city that you may not have thought of – the museums! The museums in Buenos Aires are spread out across every barrio (neighborhood) and feature world-renowned Argentine and international artists.

We made you a list of the 10 Can’t-Miss Museums in Buenos Aires. Come along with us as we uncover the best museums in Buenos Aires, from the most popular art museums in Buenos Aires to the most innovative and cultural museums in Buenos Aires! Our list truly has it all.

10. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is probably the most well-known fine art museum in Buenos Aires. Set aside a good portion of your day for a trip to Bellas Artes because this museum is HUGE. Its permanent collection alone includes 688 major works, over 12,000 minor works, and a library with over 150,000 volumes!

Choose from international and Argentine art exhibits, as this museum truly has something for everyone. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes covers everything from the middle ages to contemporary pieces. After spending plenty of time indoors, walk through the contemporary, open-air sculpture garden with a coffee in hand. A perfect way to end an afternoon of art exploration. This museum is truly one of the best museums in Buenos Aires and is surely worth a visit!

Artists at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes:

• Édouard Manet
• Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec
• Vincent Van Gogh
• Francisco De Goya
• Antonio Berni
• Benito Quinquela Martín
• Raquel Forner

How do you get to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes?

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is in the Recoleta neighborhood, located right across from the famous Recoleta Cemetery. If you’re staying at a hotel in Recoleta, this museum is an easy 5-10 minute walk.

When is Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes Open?

• Tuesday – Friday: 11 AM – 8 PM
• Saturdays and Sundays: 10 AM – 8 PM
• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is clsoed on Mondays

9. El Malba

Attention all hipsters, youngsters, or anyone (of any age) who has a passion for contemporary, avant-garde art – MALBA is the place for you! MALBA stands for the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires and is an ideal place for travelers looking to dive deeper into Latin American modern art. The museum is the host of the largest public art collection in all of Latin America, holding over 200 works including painting, sculpture, photography, print, drawing, and installations.

While the permanent exhibition has an impressive collection of art that spans the entirety of the 20th century, it is rather small. This leaves plenty of room for fresh and exciting temporary exhibits. Currently, MALBA is featuring “Modern Mexico: Avant-Garde and Revolution” which includes works from major masters of the period, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, among others. Stay up to date with the most current exhibits at MALBA by clicking here.

Where is MALBA?

MALBA is located in between Palermo and Recoleta. If you are staying in the Recoleta neighborhood, consider grabbing a cab for the easiest and fastest route. Or, ask your Travel Consultant or Tour Guide to schedule you a stop on either a full day or a half-day tour of Buenos Aires.

When is MALBA Open?

• Wednesday, 12 PM – 9 PM.
• Thursday – Monday, 12 PM – 8 PM.
• Closed on Tuesdays.

Artists at the MALBA:

• Xul Solar
• Frida Kahlo
• Diego Rivera
• Antonio Berni
• Jorge de la Vega

8. Museo de la Pasión Boquense

For all the soccer watching fans, you must visit Museo de la Pasión Boquense! Museo de la Pasión Boquense is all about the famous Boca Juniors soccer team. Browse the Boca Juniors trophies, uniforms, and other team paraphernalia. Then visit La Bombonera – the legendary stomping ground of the Boca Juniors soccer club (attached to the museum).

Listen and watch as audio-visual gadgets play clips of famous goals. Understand the admiration that the community held for Diego Maradona, as you listen to recorded tributes (Diego Maradona was to Boca as Babe Ruth is to the Yankees). By the time you leave the museum, your inner sports fan will be in full force.

When is Museo de la Pasión Boquens Open?

• Open daily, 10 AM – 6 PM.

Where is the Museo de la Pasion Boquense?

Where else would the Museo de la Pasion Boquense be other than the La Boca neighborhood itself? Take a taxi here. It is the easiest and cheapest way. Especially if you are staying in Recoleta or Palermo, two of our favorite neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.

Exhibits in the Museo de la Pasión Boquense:

• Hall of fame
• Trophy cabinet
• Displays of teams jerseys
• Audio-visual presentations

7. MACBA

MACBA stands for the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Buenos Aires. It’s fairly new (established on September 1st, 2012) in the Buenos Aires art scene and contains contemporary works from both Argentine and international artists. The goal of the museum is to informally educate the community by way of art and to expand the awareness of Argentine art to people around the world.

The museum specializes in showcasing geometric works by artists like Raúl Lozza, Julio Le Parc, and Victor Vasarely. Most recently, the museum has been taking the initiative to feature expositions by female artists.

How do you get to MACBA in Buenos Aires?

The MACBA is conveniently located at the end of the San Telmo Market. Simply pop in after an afternoon of shopping at the market.

When is MACBA Open?

• Working days, 11 AM to 7.30 PM.
• Tuesdays, Closed.
• Saturdays, 10 AM to 8 PM.
• Sundays and holidays, 10 AM to 3 PM.

6. Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo

This is one of the best museums in Buenos Aires! If you’re interested in the excellence of decorative arts and design, visit the National Museum of Decorative Arts. Its headquarters, designed as a French neoclassical residence, was declared a historical and artistic monument in 1997. The current inventory hosts over 6,000 objects, ranging from Roman sculptures to artisan creations of silverware and contemporary design. <

The most popular collection lies in the European and oriental decorative arts, sculptures, tapestries, and paintings from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Fun fact, many of these pieces belonged to the Errázuriz Alvear family! The National Museum of Decorative Arts Buenos Aires paintings are absolutely amazing and world-renowned and this place is a must on any trip to Buenos Aires.

How do you get to Museo Nacional de Arte?

If you’re staying in Recoleta or Palermo, this museum is a short drive away! Grab a cab or use public transport. There are plenty of buses that stop by the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo: 10, 21, 37, 38, 41, 59, 60, 67, 92, 93, 95, 102, 110, 118, 130.

When is Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo Open?

• Tuesday – Sunday, 12:30 AM to 7 PM
• Closed on Mondays.

Collections in the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo include:

• Weapons
• Sculpture
• Furniture
• Goldsmith
• Oriental Pieces>
• Painting
• Porcelain

5. Fundacion Proa

Fundacion Proa is a three-story building with four exhibition halls, a multimedia auditorium, a specialized library, a restaurant with a terrace, and a generous space for community meetings. The art found here consists mostly of the 20th and 21st-century movements and includes an assortment of photography, video, design, electronic music, and the permanent start-up of special projects.

After you’ve explored the various exhibits, stay on the premises, and enjoy a lovely meal at the waterfront restaurant attached to the museum. Enjoy a bite to eat with friends, full of lively conversation about the exhibits you just admired, showcasing international modern artists as well as local emerging talent.

How do you get to Fundacion Proa?

This museum is in La Boca, on the Caminito. It’s a perfect place to grab a coffee after taking a guided city tour. If you’re coming from Recoleta or Palermo, a taxi is a must.

When is Fundacion Proa Open?

• Tuesday – Sunday, 11 AM – 7 PM
• Closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, December 24th, December 25th, and December 31st

4. Usina del Arte

In La Boca where you will find Usina del Arte, a major cultural center that has grown exponentially in popularity amongst tourists and locals. Originally, the structure was a power station built in the beginning of the 20th century. In 2008 the old-brick electrical pant was beautifully restored and now serves as a popular place to host concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. The programs featured here constantly change, so if you’re planning a visit make sure to check out their website for details about the latest exhibitions.

When is Usina del Arte Open?

• Hours vary depending on the week’s program, which you can view here.

3. Museo Evita

Learn about the life and legacy of Evita Perón at Museo Evita. Argentina’s iconic first lady and wife of President Juan Domingo Perón is explored in this fine museum (devoted entirely to her). Venture into exhibits that celebrate the life of the Argentine heroine with videos, historical photos, books, and posters. However, the focal point of the museum has to be her wardrobe. Admire her dresses, shoes, handbags, hats, and blouses that are elegantly put on display. Attached to the museum is the lovely Museo Evita Restaurante. Stop here after your visit for a bite to eat on the relaxing patio, which is especially inviting on a warm, sunny day.

Where is Museo Evita?

This museum is extremely easy to get to if you’re staying in Recoleta or Palermo. Expect about a short, 10-minute taxi ride.

When is Museo Evita Open?

• Tuesday – Sunday, 11 AM to 7 PM.
• Museo Evita is closed on Mondays, May 1st, December 25th, and January 1st

2. Xul Solar Museum

Housed in his former home, this present-day art space features works by Argentine artist Xul Solar. Explore the assortment of his art, including personal documents, letters, and the “heirlooms of the cosmos” that he created. The galleries are just below Solar’s former apartment. It is there where you can discover his rooms that are preserved along with his vast library of around 3,500 books. Overall, this museum converted house offers guests a chance to get to know Xul Solar in an intimate fashion, clearly showcasing his dreams of alternate worlds and utopias.

When is Xul Solar Open?

• Tuesdays – Fridays, 12 PM – 8 PM.
• Saturdays, 12 PM – 7 Pm.
• Xul Solar Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

1. Colección Fortabat

For an outing of world master artists, come to Coleccion Fortabat. It is in this museum that you can stumble across phenomenal pieces by Rodin, Andy Warhol, William Turner, and more. Also, visit Coleccion Fortabat for showcases of some of the best Argentine contemporary artists of all time. Finish your visit by taking in the spectacular views of the river below from the museum’s sprawling glass windows.

Where is Colección Fortabat?

Colección Fortabat is located in the Puerto Madero neighborhood. Make sure to take a taxi from Recoleta or Palermo.

When is Colección Fortabat Open?

• Tuesday – Sunday, 12 PM – 8 Pm.
• Colección Fortabat is closed every Monday.