On Saturday April 12th the Mario Testino Gallery, MATE, opened its permanent collection, which will be the first in the world to dedicated to showcasing the work of the famous Peruvian photographer. The museum will continue to have temporary exhibits in addition to the main collection of Testino’s photographs so as to continue with its mission of promoting Peruvian and international artists in the Barranco district of Lima.
The photos in the collection, from Testino’s over 35 years of working around the world, are separated into themed rooms, beginning with his muses, Kate Moss and Giselle Bündchen, pop music legend Madonna, Hollywood stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as previously unexhibited images from the Alta Moda exhibit that features Andean fashion. Another section showcases a selection of portraits of Princess Diana. New selections will be incorporated into the permanent collection as Testino continues to add to his body of work.
Mario Testino is an internationally acclaimed photographer, who was born in Lima, Peru and later moved to London, where he began his career in portrait photography. He is reputed for his ability to tap into the cultural and commercial spirit of the era, which has led him to become a highly-coveted collaborator in the fashion and beauty industries. His photos have been published in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and V Magazine, and he has featured in The National Portrait Gallery in London, Today Art Museum in Beijing, Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Museum Thyssen- Bornemisza in Madrid and others. Most recently Mario Testino was named the President of the Board of World Monuments Fund of Peru. He should be well-suited to this honorable position, especially in light of his work on the MATE gallery, which is housed in a refurbished Republican townhouse that is considered Historical Peruvian Patrimony.
The MATE museum also counts with the giftshop, Bodega Mate and Café Mate. The Bodega design was inspired by grocery shops in Lima of the early 20th century and offers souvenirs such as pins, postcard prints of featured works, books, posters and original Mario Testino prints in addition to a line of specialty design items that make unique gifts. After perusing the Bodega Mate, visitors can finish their experience at Café Mate, where special lunch menus will be offered in addition to the à la carte menu with sandwiches, pastas, desserts and drinks.
You can read about our visit to past exhibits at MATE: Visiting the Mario Testino Association in Barranco, Lima. Likewise, MATE can easily be incorporated into an art tour of Barranco during a visit in Lima. Contact us for more information.
ADDRESS Avenida Pedro de Osma Avenue 409, Barranco Lima 4, Peru
OPENING HOURS Tuesday to Saturday 11.00-2.00 Sundays 11.00-18.00 Closed on Monday