Museum of Contemporary Art of Rosario
Located in the vibrant city of Rosario, within the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rosario (known by its Spanish name, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Rosario or MACRo) stands as a beacon of modern artistic expression. Operating as an annex to the Juan B. Castagnino Fine Arts Museum, the MACRo is dedicated exclusively to the exploration and exhibition of contemporary art.
The museum is strategically positioned along the Estanislao López Riverfront Avenue, situated at the northern end of Oroño Boulevard beside the scenic Paraná River. Since opening its doors to the public on November 19, 2004, it has become a landmark of cultural regeneration in the region.
Architectural Heritage and the Davis Silos
The MACRo is a striking example of adaptive reuse, where industrial history meets modern culture. The museum's site incorporates the Davis Silos, a complex of abandoned grain silos that were once integral to Rosario's port facilities. The design philosophy focused on the integral preservation of the original structure, emphasizing the austerity and unique characteristics of concrete as a core aesthetic value.
The most prominent feature of this complex consists of eight massive concrete silos, each measuring 7.5 meters in diameter and painted in various colors. To enhance the visitor experience, a glass elevator was installed on the exterior of the building, offering panoramic views of the surrounding river scenery and the nearby islands.
Exhibition Spaces and Collections
While the silos provide a dramatic backdrop, the primary exhibition galleries are housed in an attached building that previously served as administrative offices. This facility spans ten floors, providing a total exhibition area of 970 m² (approximately 10,400 ft²).
The museum hosts a diverse array of works. As of November 2005, the collection included 300 artworks created by 220 different artists. Among the notable figures represented in the collection are renowned artists such as Lucio Fontana and Antonio Berni.
Key Facts
- Official Name: Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Rosario (MACRo).
- Location: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, along the Paraná River.
- Opening Date: November 19, 2004.
- Architectural Feature: Integration of the Davis Silos (eight concrete silos, 7.5m diameter).
- Exhibition Space: 970 m² across ten floors.
- Collection Size: 300 works by 220 artists (as of Nov 2005).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Annex to Juan B. Castagnino Fine Arts Museum |
| Primary Material | Concrete (Silos) and Glass (Elevator) |
| Key Artists | Lucio Fontana, Antonio Berni |
| Coordinates | 32°55′49″S 60°39′03″W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MACRo?
The MACRo is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rosario, an annex to the Juan B. Castagnino Fine Arts Museum located in Rosario, Argentina.
Where is the museum located?
It is located on the Estanislao López Riverfront Avenue, at the northern end of Oroño Boulevard, right beside the Paraná River.
What makes the architecture of the MACRo unique?
The museum utilizes the Davis Silos, a former grain silo complex. It features eight large, colorful concrete silos and an external glass elevator for river views.
How large is the exhibition area?
The exhibition space is located in a ten-story building with a total area of 970 m².
Which famous artists are featured in the collection?
The collection includes works by 220 different artists, including prominent names such as Antonio Berni and Lucio Fontana.