Lola Mora Cultural Center Opens in Argentina, Reuniting Six Marble Sculptures

Key facts

• The Lola Mora Cultural Center has opened in northwest Argentina, reuniting six Carrara marble sculptures by Lola Mora.
• The museum was designed by architect César Pelli before his death in 2019, marking his final commission as lead architect.
• It is the first museum in South America for Pelli Clarke & Partners.
• The 32,200-square-foot museum is located at the foot of the Andes amid subtropical Yunga forest, overlooking San Salvador de Jujuy.
• The six sculptures—The Lions, Liberty, Progress, Work, Peace, and Justice—were originally placed outside the Palace of the Argentine National Congress in Buenos Aires in 1907 and removed in 1921 due to objections over their nudity.
• The sculptures were transferred to Jujuy province, where they stood scattered for over a century.
• The 37-acre site includes gardens by Balmori Associates, founded by César Pelli's late wife Diana Balmori.
• The museum generates approximately 120 percent of its energy needs through photovoltaic panels, solar collectors, and a wind turbine, and earned LEED Gold certification.