At Agustín R. Caffarena 51 in Buenos Aires, the Film Museum “Pablo Ducros Hicken” traces the history of Argentine cinema through films, cameras, projectors, photographs and production records. Its exhibitions bring technical objects and creative work together, including a photography display devoted to Wilenski. You can also catch screenings of historic films. The museum is a focused stop for anyone interested in how Argentine cinema was made and preserved; ask the staff about the collection as you explore.
A collection devoted to Argentine cinema
The museum was founded on October 1, 1971, with a collection donated by the widow of researcher and collector Pablo C. Ducrós Hicken. Its founding aims were to preserve and exhibit the collection and to keep expanding its material on Argentine cinema.
That material goes well beyond film reels. The holdings include cameras, projectors and editing equipment, along with costumes, set pieces, models, props, scripts, filming plans, production reports, newsletters, photographs, advertisements and film criticism. Together, these objects document both the technical work of making films and the people and processes behind them.
Exhibitions and historic screenings
Exhibitions draw on the museum’s collection to tell stories about Argentine film. One display highlights Wilenski’s photographs of artists, a point of interest for visitors drawn to photography, lighting and image-making. Historic film screenings are another part of the museum’s programme; check what is scheduled during your visit.
The museum’s staff can provide context for the material on display. If a particular camera, photograph or production document catches your attention, asking about it can add detail to what you see.
A museum that has moved around Buenos Aires
The museum has occupied several locations over its history. Among them were the General San Martín Municipal Theater, the former Di Tella Institute, the Recoleta Cultural Center, a building on Sarmiento, an address on Defensa and the former Piccaluga textile building on Feijóo.
Its directors have included film critic and researcher Jorge Miguel Couselo, followed by critic Rolando Fustiñana, known as Roland, who founded the Argentine Cinematheque. Later directors included filmmaker and critic Guillermo Fernández Jurado, researcher José María Poirier Lalanne and documentary filmmaker David Blaustein. Researcher and audiovisual preservation specialist Paula Félix-Didier became director in 2008.
Perguntas frequentes
What can you see at the Film Museum Pablo Ducros Hicken?
The collection covers Argentine cinema, with films, cameras, projectors, editing equipment, costumes, scripts, photographs and production records. Exhibitions and historic film screenings are also part of the visit.
When was the museum founded?
It was founded on October 1, 1971, with material donated by the widow of collector and researcher Pablo C. Ducrós Hicken.
Where is the Film Museum in Buenos Aires?
It is at Agustín R. Caffarena 51 in the La Boca neighborhood.
