Malba - Costantini Collection, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, is a project headed by the Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation. 

The Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation was established in 1995 to run cultural, educational and development projects.  It is a private, non-profit organization formed in accordance with article 33 of the Civil Code and within the terms of Law 19,836.  In 1997, the Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation decided to create Malba -Costantini Collection/Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires.  

Three key events made Malba possible: the donation of the Costantini Collection, previously the property of Eduardo F. Costantini; the acquisition of a tract of land strategically located within the city’s museum circuit; and the construction of the museum itself.

The Foundation covers the museum’s annual deficit –or the difference between the income generated and the cost of running the museum and its cultural agenda- of some $6,000,000 pesos per year. [Transparency at Malba]

Malba’s Board of Directors meets regularly to define overall strategy, annual budget and programs. It is comprised of the president of the Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation, a Vice President and five members including one external member, the museum’s Executive Director, the Chief Curator and the President of the Asociación Amigos de Malba.

From 2003, the Foundation began to consolidate itself as an institution, opening its doors to new members within its governing bodies, and forming an International Advisory Committee, currently comprised of members from Brazil, Mexico, Europe and the United States.

Financial resources and legal framework. The Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation obtained its legal standing with resolution No. 000588 of the Inspección General de Justicia office, dated June 20, 1996.  It is a non-profit organization in accordance with article 33 of the Civil Code and under the terms of Law 19,836/72.

Sources of the Museum’s operational budget. The Museum’s annual budget consists mostly of contributions made by its founder, Eduardo F. Costantini. Additionally, the museum generates revenues that help to cover approximately 20% of its annual budget, through admission fees, franchises, courses, guided tours for special groups, patronage, the Asociación de Amigos, coffee shop and store.  For additional information, see page 62.

External audits. Malba’s finances are subject to annual review by external auditor. From 2005 the latter will be a company of international prestige: Deloitte & Touche.

Frequently asked questions

-To whom does Malba’s patrimony: -the building and the Costantini Collection- belong?

The Costantini Collection and the museum building are the patrimony of the Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation.  According to the Law of Foundations, the building and the works of art in the Collection belong neither to the founder nor to his family, and Administrative Board members work on an ad honorem basis, and may not receive money from the Foundation.  Neither is it permitted the founders or any other member of the organization, from any category, to assign themselves or acquire rights to its patrimony.  This remains the property of the foundation as a body, and not that of each associate individually, nor of a particular group of associates.

The Foundation’s assets cannot be restored to its members.  They may only be directed, in case of bankruptcy, to other bodies operating for the public good, on condition that these be judicially recognized as such (and not to commercially-oriented organizations).

What happens when a person, institution or public organization donates money or assets to Malba?

Any donation made to Malba is a donation to the Eduardo F. Costantini Foundation. The Foundation’s patrimony is regulated in Argentina by the Law of Foundations, which makes donated money or assets the Foundation’s exclusive property.