Have you ever imagined living inside a Spanish Renaissance painting? At the Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta, that dream becomes a reality. This museum, tucked away in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, isn’t just a collection of art; it’s a portal to another time. The Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta began its life as the home of Enrique Larreta, a prominent Argentine writer, Hispanist, and ambassador to France. He was captivated by Spain’s Golden Age, particularly the city of Ávila. His passion led him to assemble an astonishing collection of medieval and Renaissance art and artifacts.
Larreta’s home, designed by Ernesto Bunge in a neo-Spanish colonial style, became a canvas for his collection. Upon his death in 1961, the house and its treasures were bequeathed to the city of Buenos Aires, opening as the Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta in 1962. The Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta is more than just a building; it’s a living testament to Larreta’s vision.
Inside the Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta, you’ll find polychrome wood carvings, intricate altarpieces, and paintings that whisper stories of saints and kings. Armor and weaponry offer glimpses into a world of knights and conquests. The furniture, including friar’s chairs and Castilian chests, completes the immersive experience, transporting you back to Renaissance Spain. A notable piece is the altarpiece honoring Saint Anne, crafted in 1503, a stunning example of late Gothic style prevalent during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. Another highlight is a two-meter-tall wooden statue of Saint Martin of Tours, the patron saint of Buenos Aires. The collection also includes portraits, some created in the workshop of Alonso Sánchez Coello, capturing the grandeur of the Spanish court. You can even find a portrait of Larreta himself, painted by Ignacio Zuloaga in 1912, with the city of Ávila, the setting of his renowned historical novel, as a backdrop.
But the Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta holds another secret, a hidden oasis: the Andalusian garden. Inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, this tranquil space invites contemplation and escape. Wander through its fragrant paths, lined with boxwood hedges, and discover the enchanting “Fountain of the Toads.” The garden’s design, with its narrow, straight paths and the natural growth of plants within grid-like sections, echoes the Hispano-Muslim garden tradition. Citrus trees, cypresses, palms, and the delicate blossoms of wisteria and orchids create a sensory feast. The garden even houses a terracotta replica of Donatello’s David, adding a touch of the Italian Renaissance to this predominantly Spanish haven. The Museo de Arte Español Enrique Larreta is a true gem, a place where art, history, and nature intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience.