Eduardo Sívori Plastic Arts Museum

Walking through the green grass and trees in a space that looks nothing like Buenos Aires, surrounded by people who go jogging and a few meters away from the traditional site where both porteños and visitors may rent a pedal boat and float on the lakes of Palermo, we found the Eduardo Sívori Plastic Arts Museum. The Art Tradition The museum was inaugurated in 1938 with the purpose of appraising Argentinian national art and as a means of getting the audience to experience that art. Ever since 1936, when the creation of the Painting, Sculpture, Drawing and Engraving Hall was decreed, the basis for its collection began to be shaped. Later on, it became more plentiful through donations and several acquisitions. The museum still continues increasing its collection and remains in constant contact with contemporary art trends through the Manuel Belgrano Plastic Arts Hall and the Tapiz Biennial Hall. Over seventy years after its creation, the mission is still in force.

A House for Argentinian Art A combination of ancient and modern elements, the museum itself seems to manifest its commitment to art. On the one hand, there is the tradition of this Argentinian art sheltered by a house of white walls and red roof which seems to emerge from former times amidst the Palermo woodlands. On the other side, we have a new building with dark beams and lots of glass, which turns out to be the ideal frame for the present tendencies in painting and sculpture. Inside, all the currents have their own place. Always Interesting Many of the works displayed in the museum were once part of art’s avant-garde. Others reflect the worries and the painting and sculpting techniques of their day. All art has its own time. However, twentieth (and twenty-first) century art has always stood out by their break-off, especially with the average audience. More than one visitor will be surprised to discover that a certain painting which seems very modern is in fact over fifty years old. The fact is that these works may still stir, make us wonder. This shows they still have a vogue. Art and Life One of the most interesting aspects of this museum is that year after year it continues to increase its heritage, a permanent reflection of Argentinian art. This contributes a special kind of vitality. Another aspect that may provide a more picturesque closure for a visit to this museum is the sculptures’ yard, a garden displaying art but at the same time a space for the museum coffee-shop, where visitors may have a drink or a snack in a pleasant natural environment.