Frommer's Review
The powerful art in this museum does an excellent job of conveying the issues that affect modern-day Bolivians. Notable permanent pieces include a collection of plaster sculptures by the museum's owner, Herman Plaza, called Cuando los Hijos se Van ("When the Kids Leave"), a very real depiction of young people who are leaving Bolivia for the United States; and paintings by José Rodríguez-Sánchez who comes from Cochabamba, where the U.S.-directed program to eradicate coca growing in the region has wreaked havoc on the local people. The museum also houses the work of some well-known international artists, including portraits by Choi-Sung Man, considered one of the best portrait artists in the world. (His subjects have included George H. W. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Princess Diana.) Occasionally, there is a Spanish-speaking guide who can take you on a 30-minute tour of the museum. If you can't find the guide, stop in the gift shop and ask Luis for help -- he's very knowledgeable.
Even if there were no art here, it still would be worth a visit to see the interior of the 126-year-old mansion that houses the museum. This building and the bus station are the only structures in Bolivia that were designed by Señor Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame.
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