Journey through the history of Argentine art from the 19th and 20th centuries when you visit the Museo de Arte Tigre (Tigre Art Museum). Housed inside an emblematic building, the Museo de Art Tigre features paintings, lithographs, photographs and watercolors by some of the nation’s most celebrated artists. Together these works create a representation of the landscapes and traditions that have shaped the country.
The museum has galleries dedicated to different Argentine artist groups and movements. See portrayals of the Tigre Delta and islands of the Parana River by Juan León Pallière and Italian muralist Carlos Barberis. Study lithographs by contemporary artist Horacio Butler. Carlos Pellegrini’s El Fuerte de Buenos Aires and Eduardo Sivori’s La Majada are highlights of the collection.
Find paintings by artists trained at the La Boca School, which had strong ties with Italian immigration. Works by Alfredo Lazzari and Benito Quinquela Martin, among others, represent the strong cultural identity of Buenos Aires’ La Boca port neighborhood. Note how the style of artists from the early 20th century Nexus group reflects how they identified the landscape with national pride.
As impressive as the art is the castle-like building itself. It was once the headquarters of a sports and social club and housed a ballroom and casino. Admire the regal neoclassical facade and belle epoque interior, with a marble staircase, oak floors, crystal chandeliers and Venetian mirrors.
The museum stands on the banks of the Lujan River in the town of Tigre, which is about a 40-minute drive from the city center of Buenos Aires. Travel by train from Retiro to Tigre station and then take a taxi or walk for 20 minutes along the riverfront to reach the museum. Drivers can park for free on the surrounding streets. Close by is the Parque de la Costa amusement park and Puerto de Frutos handicraft market.
Museo de Arte Tigre is open from Wednesday to Sunday and there’s an admission fee. The fee includes an optional guided tour, which takes place twice daily and is in Spanish. Visit the museum’s official website for more information and details about current exhibitions.