In 2008 a new museum opened its doors in Puerto Madero. It is called “coleccion de arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat”. Also known as Amalita Fortabat, she is considered to be the ‘richest woman in Argentina’, and one of the most successful businesswoman of the country. She is also a very important art collector.

Amalia, who was born in 1921, married Alfredo Fortabat, who was 27 years her senior, in 1947. After 30 years of marriage her husband died at the age of 81. She took over his companies, lands and farms and livestock, and inherited one of the largest fortunes of Argentina, which she managed to increase considerably.

In 1976 she started up a foundation (the Amalia lacroze de Fortabat Foundation) that promotes and stimulates all kinds of initiatives; cultural, artistic, charitable and many others : as long as it affects the public good.

In 1998 they started with the construction of the museum designed by the architect Rafael Viñoly. The construction is made of concrete, steel and glass. It has a splendid view over Puerto Madero, and the glass roof can be covered with an ingenious system that changes position depending on the position of the sun. It was her wish to be able to see the stars when looking at her paintings.

Over 230 works of the personal collection of Amalia are displayed, including works of Alejandro Xul Solar, Antonio Quiros, Jorge de la Vega, but also, Breughel, Rodin, Vermeer and Warhol. The masterpiece is without any doubt the one of Venice (called Julette and her nurse), painted by Turner. Amalia made it to international news when she paid 7 million dollars for it. It used to hang above the fireplace in her triplex in Libertador.

The collection is very divers, and definitely worth a visit. So is the building itself. You should also include a lunch in the restaurant, as the food is delicious.

Colleccion de arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat, Olga Cossettini 141, Puerto Madero Este, (dique 4). Open Tuesday through Sundays from 12 am to 9 pm. entrance $15.