Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The mansion was constructed using imported materials, including marble, wood, and metalwork sourced directly from France.

2. 2

   The original collection was acquired by Matías Errázuriz and Josefina de Alvear during their long residence in Paris as diplomats.

3. 3

   The museum building was declared a National Historical Monument of Argentina in 1997.

4. 4

   René Sergent, the architect, never actually visited Buenos Aires, managing the entire project through detailed plans and photographs.

5. 5

   The library holds one of the most comprehensive collections of specialized literature on decorative arts in South America.

6. 6

   The interior design reflects the 'hôtel particulier' style, which was the pinnacle of elite residential luxury in turn-of-the-century Paris.

Overview

The Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo is housed within the Palacio Errázuriz Alvear, a French Neoclassical mansion designed by architect René Sergent in 1911. Originally the residence of Chilean diplomat Matías Errázuriz Ortúzar and his wife Josefina de Alvear, the museum displays a vast collection of European and Asian decorative arts. The building serves as an exemplar of the Belle Époque architectural style prevalent in Buenos Aires during the early 20th century. Visitors can explore period rooms that showcase 18th-century French furniture, tapestries, sculptures, and paintings. The museum also manages a significant collection of miniatures and an extensive library dedicated to design and art history. The grounds include an original garden design that integrates with the building's aesthetic. Rotating exhibitions are frequently hosted in the former carriage house and service areas. As of June 2026, the institution remains open to the public as a national heritage site.

Insider tips

• Check the museum's official website for current temporary exhibition schedules before visiting, as these often occupy the secondary galleries.

• Allocate time to walk through the interior courtyards, which are often overlooked but contain some of the best architectural details.

• Visit the museum gift shop for high-quality catalogs related to Argentine decorative history.