At the Museum of Fashion History of Buenos Aires, the goal is to remember and recreate the allure of the fashion world; to reveal the language of clothing and its accessories and to show the connection between costume and art within its social context, with a particular emphasis on Argentina.
Clothing and its accessories is considered our second skin. It is a part of our culture, a testimony to our way of being and thinking, a reflection of the times in which we are living.
The Museum possesses important and varied collections of pieces from the late 18th century until the present day. There are over eight thousand valuable pieces from numerous creators and designers, showing both craftsmanship and applied manufacture industries. Most of came from public donations, and we can only hope this continues.
This is a Museum in perpetual growth, with infinite possibilities of expansion. Because of this, the objects on display are changed periodically, with the double purpose of maintaining public interest and preserving the pieces in the museum's collection.
In today's society, museums act as a bridge between the past and the accelerated changes and conflicts of the present world, thus taking us into the future.
The Fashion History Museum's collection frames the social and cultural aspects of Argentina, particularly Buenos Aires, and illustrates fashion and customs from the 18th century to the present.
It is open to the general public, primary and high school students, teachers, Fashion Design students, Fashion and Costume Designers, and tourists, as well as many other groups, both national and international, with a keen interest in fashion history.

832 Chile Street, C.A. Buenos Aires

The Museum is located in a 800m2 area in a house that was built in typical 19th century style. It has several rooms connected by three patios and a gallery. This building was declared a Historical Monument in 1990. In 1994 it was closed for restoration and reopened in December 2000.
Its unquestionable historical value makes it imperative to continue its maintenance and preservation. The Museum has eight rooms for exhibitions, an auditorium, a library, recreational areas, a cafe, and a gift shop. There is also a storage area and workshop for the collections.
Mrs. Nydia Luzuriaga de Mercau sold the property to The Secretary of Culture in 1972. On November 11th 1972, it opened its doors as the Fashion History Museum of Buenos Aires.
The origins of this house dates back to the mid-19th century, along with the San Telmo and Montserrat neigbourhoods, in what is known as the historical beginnings of the city of Buenos Aires.
The first owner was Mrs. Juana María Martínez de Marquez, and after her death, she left it to her son Juan Ambrosio Marquez.
The construction of the house began in 1832 when the most important area of the city reached Belgrano Avenue.
Mr. Juan A. Marquez died in 1871, and in August of the same year Mr. Juan Martín de la Serna bought the property for his brother-in-law, Mr. Manuel Anasagasti (married to Mrs. Dolores de la Serna.)
When Mr. de la Serna passed-away in 1890, his son Darío Anasagasti de la Serna inherited it. It is reasoned that the initials seen at the stained-glass door (DAS) are his, or maybe his mother's, Mrs. Dolores de la Serna Anasagasti.
The house as we see it today, was finished in 1907. There are artisan crafted ceilings and unique “boissieres” and plants brought from the Misiones jungles over 100 years ago, as well as an amazing glass-screen with stylish designs inspired by the French Louis XIV and XV styles and the Art Nouveau of the beginning of the 20th century. In the first patio, known as “Patio de los angelitos” (Little angels patio), we can still see the angels of masonry watching over it. There is even a big glass and wood screen built into this patio to protect the rooms from the wind chill of winter and meant to “care for Don Manuel Anasagasti's health”.
It belonged to General Luzuriaga's family from 1907 until 1972.

In 18th century Buenos Aires, fruit and vegetable supplies were produced by basque and catalonians, who settled in the Southern Neighbourhood. They brought a strong devotion for the Virgin Morena, known as “Moreneta” worshiped at the Montserrat Monastery (Catalonia – Spain).
In this southern area of the city, a Chapel named as Nuestra Señora de Montserrat was built at 1151 Belgrano Avenue, from which the named was taken towards the end of the 18th century. In 1790, a market was established and the place became a Wagon Stop.
In addition, established at the corner of 9 de julio Ave. and Moreno St was a bullring, one of the most important Spanish traditions.
An extreme process of change occurred in the mid-19th century, and Buenos Aires was modified, transforming it into a modern city with strong Italian and French architectural influence.
Several waves of immigration continued to change the city; bringing new gastronomy, dress, languages and the creation of new neigbourhoods. A new society was created, a new culture, planting the seeds of costume and cultural habits exchange, to create a new unique people.

The Fashion History Museum's wealth consists mainly in civil clothing from different social levels, adults, young and children fashion from the 18th century until our days, organized in several collection:

Etiquette, daily wear, costumes, sportswear, beachwear, underwear and regional costumes (from Asia, Europe, Africa and America).

And also collections of accessories such as: canes, parasols, umbrellas, hats, fans, watches, etc.

Permanent exhibition:
In order to preserve the objects, in the case of the permanent exhibition the script is changed every three years.
The current script on display is the following:
Room 1:  FEMALE FASHION FROM  1850 TO 1915
Room 2: FASHION FROM  1920 TO 1940
Room 3: THE WEDDING
Room 4: CHRISTIAN DIOR
Room 5: MALE SPORTWEAR AND SPORT GEAR
Room 6: 100 YEARS OF CHILDREN'S WEAR - 1860 TO 1960.

Temporary exhibition
Rooms 7 and 8:
“200 YEARS. 3 MOMENTS. ARGENTINE WOMEN AND FASHION”
Special exhibition for the Bicentennial of the May Revolution.
May, 25th 1810.
December 2009 – November 2010

Buses:
2, 9, 10, 17, 45, 59, 70, 103

Subway:
C and E (Independencia Station)