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Lola Mora Cultural Center Opens in Argentina, Honoring Pioneering Sculptor

cultural-heritage · 2026-08-12

In San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina, the newly established Lola Mora Cultural Center pays tribute to the renowned sculptor Lola Mora (1866-1936), recognized as one of Latin America's pioneering female public sculptors. The center, designed by architect César Pelli (1926-2019), spans 1.3 hectares and showcases six of Mora's significant sculptures—The Lions, Liberty, Progress, Work, Peace, and Justice—exhibited together for the first time in over a century. These works were initially commissioned in 1906 for the Palace of the Argentine National Congress in Buenos Aires and relocated to Jujuy in 1921. The facility also features a restaurant, library, and artist studio, aiming to serve as a community hub while striving for LEED Gold certification. Director Victoria Martínez Fascio highlighted the importance of enhancing Mora's legacy within Argentine art history.

Key facts

  • The Lola Mora Cultural Center opened in San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina.
  • It is the final project by architect César Pelli (1926-2019).
  • The center displays six monumental sculptures by Lola Mora, shown together for the first time in over 100 years.
  • The sculptures were originally commissioned for the Palace of the Argentine National Congress in 1906.
  • Lola Mora (1866-1936) was one of Latin America's first female public sculptors.
  • Mora studied in Rome under Giulio Monteverde and won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition.
  • The building is the first museum in South America by Pelli Clarke & Partners.
  • The center is pursuing LEED Gold certification for sustainable design.
  • The project includes a restaurant, library, and studio for visiting artists.
  • The center is funded by the provincial government of Jujuy.

Entities

Artists

  • Lola Mora
  • César Pelli
  • Giulio Monteverde
  • Rafael Pelli
  • Victoria Martínez Fascio

Institutions

  • Lola Mora Cultural Center
  • Pelli Clarke & Partners
  • The Art Newspaper

Locations

  • San Salvador de Jujuy
  • Argentina
  • Andes Mountains
  • Jujuy
  • Rome
  • Buenos Aires
  • South America
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Malaysia

Sources