Years of Culture
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2025/03/23
Established in 2001 by the Argentinian entrepreneur Eduardo F. Costantini, MALBA Museum has been instrumental in bringing Latin American modern and contemporary art to global audiences. Through carefully curated exhibitions, an expansive collection, and international collaborations, MALBA has established itself as a key player in the art world.
In 2025, MALBA’s reach will extend to Qatar, as its works will be showcased in Doha for the first time, drawing thought-provoking parallels between Latin American and Arab artistic traditions within the framework of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
Located in the upscale Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, MALBA is a world-class institution dedicated to the acquisition, conservation, research, and dissemination of art from across the continent.
The museum was founded to provide a framework for the display and study of the private collection of its founder, Eduardo F. Costantini, which has since grown into one of the most significant collections of Latin American works in the world.
MALBA Museum’s permanent collection includes some of the most celebrated works of Latin American art, spanning the early 20th century to the present day, featuring movements such as surrealism and constructivism. Among the gallery’s most iconic pieces are:
These masterpieces, along with many others in MALBA’s collection, provide a compelling narrative of Latin America’s creative innovation and socio-political history.
MALBA is more than just a museum; it is a dynamic cultural centre committed to research, education, and artistic exchange. Beyond its exhibitions, MALBA serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting film screenings, literary events, and educational programmes that engage local and international audiences.
The museum also actively participates in global exhibitions, ensuring that Latin American art is recognised beyond the region’s borders. Through strategic partnerships and travelling exhibitions, MALBA has gained international acclaim, presenting Latin America’s diverse artistic movements to audiences worldwide.
The upcoming ‘Latinoamericano’ exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) marks a significant milestone, introducing the rich and varied visual culture of Latin America to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the first time.
Just as MALBA champions Latin American creativity, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art serves as a cornerstone for modern and contemporary Arab art in Qatar. Both seek to amplify the voices of their respective regions while providing a platform for artists whose works reflect cultural, political, and social identities.
Much like MALBA, Mathaf actively engages in international collaborations, expanding Arab art’s reach to new audiences. These shared objectives create an opportunity for dialogue between Latin American and Arab artistic traditions, highlighting how art can serve as a bridge between diverse histories, geographies, and experiences.
From 21st April to 19th July 2025, the National Museum of Qatar will host ‘Latinoamericano: Modern and Contemporary Art from the Malba and Eduardo F. Costantini Collections’, a major exhibition that will showcase artworks from across Latin America, on an unprecedented scale in the region. Organised in partnership with Qatar Museums, this exhibition represents a significant cultural exchange between Latin America and the Middle East, during the Qatar Argentina Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
Curated by Maria Amalia García and Issa Al Shirawi, ‘Latinoamericano’ seeks to explore the question: How do you capture the diversity of an entire continent through a curated selection of images? The exhibition will be structured into five distinct thematic sections, each offering a different perspective on Latin America’s artistic evolution.
Latinoamericano will feature over 170 artworks, including paintings, photographs, films, sculptures, installations, textiles, and other references from popular culture. Specially selected pieces from MALBA’s permanent collection will be on display, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the artists and culture of Latin America from 1900 to the present day.
The exhibition is co-curated by Maria Amalia García and Issa Al Shirawi, two distinguished figures in the art world.
As ‘Latinoamericano’ prepares to open its doors at the National Museum of Qatar, it stands as a testament to Latin American art’s enduring global influence. By uniting two rich artistic traditions, this exhibition highlights art’s power to transcend borders, inspire conversations, and connect cultures.
Find out more about upcoming events as part of the Qatar Argentina Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
