Buenos Aires museums to visit at least once in a lifetime

This Buenos Aires museum is a must-see stop for those exploring the vibrant La Boca neighborhood. Founded in 1938 in a building donated by Benito Quinquela Martín himself, the museum reflects the artist’s commitment to the culture and education of the neighborhood where he grew up.

Its rooms display the most comprehensive collection of Quinquela’s oil paintings and etchings from 1922 to 1967, capturing the essence of the port and the daily life of the workers. It also houses works from figurative currents of Argentine art from the late 19th century, a notable collection of ship figureheads, and figurative sculptures on its terrace, offering a unique view of the Riachuelo River.

The third floor hosts the House-Museum, where you can see the artist’s personal belongings and learn more about his life and work.

Open Tuesday to Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Admission is free. A voluntary contribution of ARS 3,000 is suggested to help with museum conservation.

This Buenos Aires museum not only exhibits art but also tells the story of a neighborhood and an artist who left an indelible mark on Argentine culture.

Where:  Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1835, La Boca.

Located in the majestic Errázuriz Alvear Palace, an architectural jewel from 1911 designed by French architect René Sergent, this Buenos Aires museum is a true journey into the city’s aristocratic past. With a collection spanning from the 14th to the 20th century, the Decorative Art Museum displays furniture, sculptures, porcelains, glassware, paintings, and tapestries from Europe and the East.

Free guided tours take place Wednesday to Saturday at 4:00 p.m., with no reservation required. The museum also offers monthly thematic tours exploring different aspects of its heritage.

With free admission, this Buenos Aires museum is a must for those wishing to immerse themselves in the elegance and art of past eras.

Where:  Av. del Libertador 1902.

The Modern Art Museum is one of those Buenos Aires museums that always has something new to surprise you. Founded in 1956 and now housed in a renovated building in the heart of San Telmo, it has become the meeting point to discover the best of Argentine modern and contemporary art.

Its collection includes more than 7,000 works—from paintings and sculptures to installations and performances that challenge your mind. Besides local artists, it also features key international pieces from the 20th and 21st centuries, adding variety and context to every visit.

Don’t miss its Argentine photography collection, a project started in 1999 that continues growing with works ranging from everyday life to the most experimental.

Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Free entry on Wednesdays for everyone.

A vibrant Buenos Aires museum, perfect for those wanting to keep up with the city’s cultural scene.

Where: Avenida San Juan 350.

This Buenos Aires museum is full of history and mystique. Opened in 1910 as an ice skating rink, its circular hall with balconies witnessed dances, exhibitions, and even TV programs. Since 1932, it has become a key space for Argentine visual arts.

Currently, the Palais de Glace is undergoing restoration, so activities have moved to the Bon Marché Space at the Borges Cultural Center, Viamonte 525, Buenos Aires. There, exhibitions showcase the best of contemporary Argentine art. One recent exhibition, "High Season: A Summer with the Palais de Glace," brought together more than 40 works from its collection and the National Engraving Museum, exploring summer imaginaries through painting, ceramics, installations, photography, video, drawing, sculpture, and engraving.

The Palais de Glace is also home to the historic National Visual Arts Salon, Argentina’s most important competition awarding painting, sculpture, drawing, engraving, ceramics, textile art, photography, and new media/installations.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission.

A must for those wanting to dive into the richness of national art in a setting full of history and renewal.

Where: Posadas 1725.

Located in the elegant Palermo Chico neighborhood, MALBA has secured a prominent place in the city’s cultural scene. Since opening in 2001, it has become a dynamic and participatory space, hosting temporary exhibitions and shows of Argentine and Latin American contemporary art.

The permanent collection includes works by iconic artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Antonio Berni, and Tarsila do Amaral, offering a journey through Latin American art history from the early 20th century to today.

MALBA also has a cinema room screening a variety of films, from classics to contemporary releases, including thematic cycles and special screenings.

Guided tours of the permanent exhibitions take place Wednesdays and Sundays at 4 p.m., no prior registration needed.

Open Thursday to Monday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Discounts available on Wednesdays.

A can’t-miss Buenos Aires museum for those wanting to immerse themselves in the richness of Latin American art in a modern, welcoming environment.

Where: Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta 3415. 

Opened in 2012 in the heart of San Telmo, MACBA has become a key space for contemporary art in the city. Founded by collector Aldo Rubino, the museum stands out for its modern architecture and focus on geometric abstraction, housing works by national and international artists.

Besides its permanent collection, MACBA offers a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions. Check their official website for the latest programs.

Open Wednesday to Monday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Guided tours on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5 p.m.

A must-see Buenos Aires museum for those wanting to explore contemporary art in a modern, accessible setting.

Where: Av. San Juan 328.

One of Buenos Aires’ most emblematic museums, MNBA stands as a true temple of art. With a collection exceeding 2,500 works, it offers a unique experience spanning from classical European art to contemporary Argentine art. Besides permanent exhibitions, it presents temporary shows updated monthly, always providing something new to discover.

The activity schedule is comprehensive and posted monthly on its official website. Highlights include free guided tours with no prior registration, tours of temporary exhibitions, family and children’s activities, and accessible visits. These programs aim to convey the richness of the museum’s collections and their artistic, historical, and cultural values.

Open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; weekends from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; closed Mondays. Free admission for Argentine residents.

A must for those wanting to immerse themselves in the richness of national and international art in a setting full of history and culture.

Where: Av. del Libertador 1473.

Located in the modern Puerto Madero neighborhood, this Buenos Aires museum houses one of the country’s most outstanding private collections. Opened in 2008, the building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and combines concrete, steel, and glass, offering a unique visual experience.

The permanent collection includes over 150 works by international artists such as Rodin, Warhol, Turner, Dalí, and Blanes, as well as Argentine artists like Badii, Berni, Quinquela Martín, Noé, Pérez Celis, Fader, Soldi, and Xul Solar.

Besides permanent exhibitions, the museum offers a monthly program updated on its official website, including free guided tours with no registration, temporary exhibition tours, family and children’s activities, and accessible visits.

Open Thursday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with last admission 30 minutes before closing.

A must-visit Buenos Aires museum for those wanting to explore national and international art in a modern and accessible environment.

Where: Olga Cossettini 141.

Located in the iconic San Telmo neighborhood, the National Historical Museum is one of Buenos Aires’ most representative museums of Argentine history. Its collection covers everything from indigenous peoples to the May Revolution, offering a comprehensive view of the country’s foundational moments. Besides its permanent collection, the museum has been renewed with exhibitions focusing on key moments of the 20th century in Argentina.

One featured exhibition is "1983. Returning to Vote," commemorating 40 years since the return to democracy. It displays posters from various political parties in the historic election campaign that ended the last civic-military dictatorship and began a new democratic era. The exhibition highlights the importance of political communication and marketing strategies of that time.

Another recent show, "A Passage to the 20th Century," covers three fundamental themes in Argentine history: transportation, communication, and housing. Through everyday objects and devices, the exhibition invites reflection on how these elements influenced Argentine society in the last century.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission for Argentine residents. Guided tours are held Wednesdays to Fridays at 12 p.m. (in English) and 4 p.m. (in Spanish); Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.; Sundays at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m.

A must for those wanting to understand the country’s historical evolution in an accessible and enriching environment.

Where: Defensa 1600.

This Buenos Aires museum is a tribute to Oscar Agustín Alejandro Schulz Solari, better known as Xul Solar, who gained fame not only as a painter but also as a sculptor, musician, astrologer, esotericist, and inventor. It’s a true journey through the mind and heart of this Argentine artist.

The Xul Solar Museum exhibits works selected by the artist himself, along with objects, sculptures, documents, and even his personal library with over 3,500 volumes. The museum offers a monthly program of activities updated on its official website.

Open Tuesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guided tours daily at 4 p.m.

A must for those wanting to explore the mystical and artistic universe of Xul Solar in a modern, accessible setting.

Where: Laprida 1212.