The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba), widely recognized as one of the most iconic cultural centers in Latin America, continues to expand its legacy. Since last September, the museum has inaugurated a new unit in Belén de Escobar, on the outskirts of the Argentine capital, marking a new chapter in its history. This step reaffirms its commitment to bringing art closer to the public by offering high-quality cultural experiences beyond the urban limits of Buenos Aires.
The Malba Puertos, as the new unit is called, is located about 50 kilometers from the main headquarters in a site of unparalleled natural beauty, by a lake in Belén de Escobar. The location was carefully chosen to create a space that not only exhibits art but also integrates with the environment, offering visitors an experience that combines culture, leisure, and connection with nature.
With free admission, Malba Puertos reflects the mission of democratizing access to culture and art. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, it stands out as an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all ages. Its facilities have been designed to offer a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere, ideal for both art enthusiasts and those seeking a cultural retreat.
Designed by renowned Spanish architect Juan Herreros, the architectural project of Malba Puertos is an example of innovation and sustainability. With more than 5,000 square meters of total area, the complex was conceived to dialogue with the surrounding landscape, promoting an organic connection between the internal and external spaces. The structure consists of three main pavilions, three open plazas, and a large 2,500-square-meter roof, creating an environment that invites interaction and contemplation.
One of the main attractions of the project is the Public Art Circuit, which displays more than 20 works along a route that crosses the lake and a natural reserve. This circuit not only exhibits art but also invites visitors to explore the local landscape, creating an immersive experience that blends creativity and nature.
In addition to the exhibition galleries, Malba Puertos offers complete infrastructure to provide an enriching experience for its visitors. One of the highlights is Café Maldí, led by award-winning chef Alejandro Féraud, who is responsible for the restaurant Alo’s, recognized as one of the best in Latin America. The café offers a refined menu with dishes that combine local and international influences, making it a must-visit stop for guests.
Another option is the Las Romeas chocolate store, which offers high-quality handmade products. With its charming décor and exclusive products, the store complements the cultural experience with a sweet and memorable touch.
Malba Puertos opened with a diverse program of exhibitions that will remain on display until March 2, offering an immersive dive into various forms of artistic expression:
“La vida que explota” (The Life that Explodes): This stunning exhibition features five anthropomorphic sculptures created by Gabriel Chaile, which were highlighted at the 2022 Venice Biennale. These pieces interact with textile works by Claudia Alarcón and the Silät weaving collective, creating a contrast between materials and meanings that prompts the audience to reflect.
“Acto Reflejo” (Reflex Act): In this exhibition, a series of watercolors by artist Amadeo Azar is displayed in the museum’s technical reserve, visible through a large glass window. The works explore the local fauna and flora and are presented in dialogue with selected pieces from the Malba collection, offering a new dimension to the understanding of the relationship between art and the environment.
“Mueble Escultura” (Furniture Sculpture): Located in the Salas del Bosque, an outdoor exhibition area, this show challenges traditional perceptions of design and functionality. The sculptures on display include cement cushions, giant cream-colored frames, and tables that subvert the idea of utility, transforming everyday objects into true works of art.
“Ensayos Naturales (II)” (Natural Essays II): In the second edition of this exhibition, 12 panels by the duo Mondongo are displayed alongside collages by artist Rosana Schoijett. The show proposes a reflection on contemporary representations of natural landscapes, inviting the audience to reconsider the relationship between humans and the environment.
Malba Puertos goes beyond exhibitions, offering a rich program of cultural activities. Courses, workshops, film screenings, and guided tours are part of the regular agenda, providing opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange. These activities reinforce the museum’s role as a dynamic and accessible cultural center that caters to a wide range of interests and age groups.
With its unique combination of art, architecture, and nature, Malba Puertos has become an unmissable destination for both locals and tourists wishing to explore new cultural horizons on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Whether to contemplate avant-garde artworks, savor gourmet meals, or simply enjoy the serenity by the lake, the new space promises to enchant and inspire all who visit.
The opening of Malba Puertos represents more than the expansion of a museum: it is an invitation to experience art in a broad, immersive way, connected with the natural environment. By bringing culture beyond the urban center, the institution reaffirms its commitment to inclusion and the democratization of access to artistic expressions. With innovative architecture that dialogues with the surrounding landscape, Malba Puertos offers a unique experience where art, nature, and technology meet. Its spaces are designed to house both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as interactive and educational activities aimed at bringing different audiences closer to the world of art.
This initiative represents a milestone in cultural decentralization, taking the collection of the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires to a region that combines urban dynamism with the tranquility of green spaces. More than just a space to appreciate art, Malba Puertos offers an environment for the exchange of ideas, inspiration, and learning, reinforcing art as a bridge between people and their stories.
By opening its doors in Puertos, the institution not only expands its geographical reach but also creates a new meeting point for artists, curators, scholars, and art lovers. This new chapter reaffirms the importance of initiatives that promote access to culture in a sustainable, inclusive, and transformative way.
