Dedicated to Argentine cinema, the Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken stands before us. It is more than just a museum. It is a vault safeguarding the nation’s cinematic legacy. Founded in 1971, its mission is to preserve, investigate, and showcase Argentina’s rich film history.
The Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken started with a generous donation. Jacinta Vicente de Ducrós Hicken, widow of Pablo Ducrós Hicken, gifted his extensive collection to Buenos Aires. Pablo was a film historian, essayist, and researcher. The only condition? That the museum bear his name.
Inside the Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken, you will find more than just films. There are cameras. There are set designs. There are moviolas. There are projectors. It is a treasure trove of filmmaking artifacts. Costumes worn by stars. Scale models of sets. These items offer a glimpse into Argentine cinema’s evolution.
The Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken also has an impressive collection of film-related documents. Scripts are available. Shooting schedules exist. Production reports and press releases are present. Also available are advertisements and critical reviews. These materials provide context to the films.
The film archive holds over 65000 film reels. These include 16mm and 35mm films. They range from early silent movies to modern productions. Among the gems is a near-complete copy of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis. This silent film masterpiece was thought to be lost.
Beyond its collection, the Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken is a hub of activity. It organizes film cycles. It hosts exhibitions. It partners with national and international institutions. The museum promotes Argentine film culture. It supports research and education.
The Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken has two locations. The main building is on Agustin R. Caffarena. It features exhibit halls. It contains a small cinema for screenings. The archive, library, and video library are on Ministro Brin street.
Paula Félix-Didier has directed the Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken since 2008. Over the years, several individuals have steered the museum. Jorge Miguel Couselo was its first director. Rolando Fustiñana also directed the museum. These leaders helped shape the museum.
In 1999, the Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken conducted a survey. It asked 100 critics and researchers to name the most important Argentine films. Chronicle of a Boy Alone topped the list. Camila and The Dirty River followed close behind.
The Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken also boasts many collections. The newsreels Sucesos Argentinos are significant. The Manuel Peña Rodríguez collection is valuable. The museum also has the original camera used to film The Execution of Dorrego. It also includes set designs from I, the Worst of All.
The Museo del Cine Pablo Ducrós Hicken stands as a monument to Argentine cinema. It preserves film history for future generations. Its collection inspires and educates. The museum celebrates the art of filmmaking. This place ensures that Argentina’s cinematic heritage remains alive.