What's Happening?
The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba) has acquired the entire Daros Latinamerica Collection, consisting of 1,233 works by 117 artists. This acquisition, led by Argentine real-estate developer and collector Eduardo F. Costantini, marks
a significant addition to Malba's holdings, which now total nearly 3,000 works. The Daros collection, previously housed in Zurich, is rich in post-1950 art and includes key works by artists such as Ana Mendieta, Hélio Oiticica, and Julio Le Parc. The acquisition will introduce 75 new artists to Malba's collection and reinforce existing holdings with numerous works by artists like Guillermo Kuitca and León Ferrari. To accommodate the new collection, Malba plans to expand its building, increasing its total space to approximately 90,000 square feet. Construction is set to begin in late 2026, with the new space expected to open in 2029.
Why It's Important?
This acquisition is one of the most significant institutional acquisitions of Latin American art in decades, repositioning Malba as a leading global repository of Latin American art. The addition of the Daros collection not only enhances Malba's existing strengths in Modernist art but also broadens its scope to include Constructive period works. This move is expected to attract international attention and increase cultural tourism to Buenos Aires. The expansion of Malba's facilities will also provide more space for exhibitions, storage, and conservation, further solidifying its status as a major cultural institution. The acquisition underscores the importance of preserving and showcasing Latin American art within the region, offering new curatorial opportunities and narratives.
What's Next?
The Daros collection is currently stored in Europe and will remain there until June 2026. In September 2026, coinciding with Malba's 25th anniversary, a selection of the newly acquired works will be publicly displayed. The museum's expansion project will begin in late 2026, with the new space scheduled to open in 2029. This expansion will include additional exhibition galleries and facilities for storage and conservation. The acquisition and expansion are expected to enhance Malba's international reputation and attract more visitors, scholars, and art enthusiasts to Buenos Aires.
