Mexico City residents and visitors viewed one of the country's most important private art collections in its final days before it heads to Europe, amid an ongoing heritage dispute. The exhibition closes on Sunday (19 July).

Since opening on 17 February, the exhibition "Modern Stories: Emblematic Works from the Gelman Santander Collection" has attracted more than 310,000 visitors to the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City.

The exhibition features 68 works collected by Mexican film producer Jacques Gelman and art collector Natasha Gelman, including pieces by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo and Maria Izquierdo.

Ownership dispute

In January 2026, Santander announced an agreement to exhibit the collection abroad over several years, sparking debate over ownership. The works had not been displayed in Mexico for two decades.

Critics argue that part of the collection, including works designated as Artistic Monuments and protected by Mexican law, was purchased by private owners in 2023 with a bank loan and later used as collateral for Santander.

Return planned for 2028

Following pressure from artists and cultural groups, the Mexican government said the works would return in 2028. However, critics cite a leaked agreement that reportedly allows the collection to remain abroad under renewable five-year terms with no specified limit.

Museum of Modern Art Director Marisol Argüelles said the collection will tour Spain and other venues before returning to Mexico within two years.

"Now it will travel to Faro Santander, in the city of Santander, in Spain. There, there will be a curation of the 160 works managed by the Fundación Santander, and afterward they will participate in some venues."

Curator and journalist Gabriela Mosqueda said Mexico's cultural authorities had failed to adequately protect the collection, arguing they were instead serving the interests of the private owners, the foundation and Santander.

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Mosqueda described the artworks as an essential record of Mexico's history and identity, saying they serve as a "mirror" for the country's people. She argued that allowing the collection to leave the country permanently would go against the wishes of both the Gelmans and the artists.

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Mexico Museo de Arte Moderno Jacques Gelman art Diego Rivera Europe