designboom · Creativity & design

Malba Museum to Expand Underground in Buenos Aires

Malba, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, is set to double its exhibition space with an underground expansion beneath Plaza Perú. The project, led by Frida Escobedo Studio, aims to integrate new facilities while preserving the public square above.

The expansion will introduce new temporary exhibition galleries, an auditorium, flexible public programming spaces, workshops, and storage areas. An outdoor courtyard is also planned to bring natural light into the subterranean levels. The design emphasizes continuity, allowing the museum to grow without occupying the public ground.

Frida Escobedo Studio is approaching the expansion as a reorganization of Malba's functions, linking existing and new underground spaces. The design allows for flexible use of areas like the auditorium, which can either be part of the visitor circuit or operate independently for evening events.

Plans for Malba's expansion beneath Plaza Perú date back to 2011. The current project by Frida Escobedo Studio continues this long-term vision. The studio's previous work includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new wing in New York.

The expansion is currently in the design phase, with an expected opening in late 2029 or early 2030. Plaza Perú will remain an accessible public space on the surface.

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