Gelman Collection to be Exhibited in Monterrey in 2028 Amid Transparency Concerns

The renowned Gelman Collection, boasting masterpieces by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, is set to return to Mexico for an exhibition in 2028. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO) will host the collection. Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Secretary of Culture, announced the exhibition during a press conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. This news comes just weeks before the private collection concludes its current run at the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM) on July 19, after which it will travel to Spain under the administration of Fundación Santander. Curiel de Icaza noted that Mexican customs law permits such collections to be abroad for a maximum of two years. Regarding a specific Kahlo painting, "Self-Portrait with Medallion," which is part of a legal dispute, she clarified that it is separate from the Gelman Collection and that its export has been denied by the INBAL, emphasizing the commitment to heritage protection. The collective "Defendamos la Colección Gelman" welcomed the Monterrey exhibition announcement, stating it was a positive response to civil society's calls. However, they expressed lingering concerns about the collection's long-term fate, demanding greater transparency regarding the government's plans. Questions persist about the legal framework for potential changes to agreements, cost coverage for the exhibition, the number of artworks that will be displayed, and the publication of technical reports on the condition of the pieces. These concerns highlight ongoing debates about the preservation and management of significant cultural heritage.

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For the protection of heritage, (the collection) can only leave for two years by customs law.