Review: Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA)

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
Pretty and modern on the outside, with an equally impressive collection of works from across Latin America within. This one is a must-visit for art fans.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?
Real estate mogul Eduardo Costantini, whose collection is housed in this museum, had an eye for avant-garde 19th- and 20th-century works. The MALBA now features pieces by Frida, Diego Rivera, Antonio Berni, Wilfredo Lam, among others.

But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits?
Temporary and visiting exhibits sometimes deviate from the Latin theme, so you might catch a Diane Arbus or Yoko Ono show.

What did you make of the crowd?
The MALBA draws an eclectic crowd of solo travelers interested in all things Latin American, octogenarians who are typically in town on a tour, and sometimes school kids on a field trip. But the museum never feels too crowded or loud.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
Elevators and escalators make moving between the multiple levels easy for everyone.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Insider tip: discounted admission on Wednesdays; closed on Tuesdays. Guided tours are in Spanish.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
The shop dedicates most of its space to books, but the selection of textiles, jewelry, and other items by local designers and craftspeople make good gifts.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
In 2017, Palermo's Ninina restaurant opened in the museum. Anything goes here, from omelettes at breakfast to mushroom risotto at dinner.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Even if you've only got an hour, you can still see all the hits. And if you have a bit more time, do yourself a favor and check out one of the temporary exhibits.