The Exhibition Palace, the building that houses the Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI, is one of the finest examples of the eclectic architecture of Lima. Conceived and built to host the first major public exhibition in our country, the "Great Exhibition of Arts, Sciences and Industry", held on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of independence, easily adapts to the museum functions as It was expressly built for exhibition purposes. It was built between 1870 and 1871 during the government of Jose Balta. It is a precursor building in Latin America, it is one of the earliest and most important works done with the new construction technique in iron. Screened in neo-Renaissance style, design and construction of the Italian architect Antonio Leonardi be. Making columns, made in iron and imported from Europe, it is attributed to the Eiffel house. Surrounded by statues, gardens and a zoo, the Palace was the heart of one of the most important urban projects of the last century, following the example of European universal exhibitions. Today, it is part of one of the most dynamic areas and busy of the city, where it joins a large and diverse audience.Because of its importance, the Palace was declared by the National Institute of Culture - INC, historical monument and Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 1973. Facts: . 1869 President Jose Balta ordered the construction of the building that houses the Exhibition of Lima 1872 Palace Exhibition opens in July, during the "Great Exhibition of Arts, Sciences and Industry" 1872-1879 Head Society of Fine Arts. 1880-1883 War of the Pacific. The building served first blood bank headquarters and then to the Chilean troops. In August 1889, the state gives the building the Provincial Council of Lima. 1905-1935 Head of the National History Museum and the Ministry of Development. Then serve the Chamber of Deputies, the Directorate of Traffic and Running, the Ministry of Agriculture and finally, as the seat of the Municipality of Lima, after his building caught fire in November 1923. The Municipality 1955-1956 Lima renewable loan yields in the building of the Arts Board to serve as a museum of art. Cultural activities begin Museum. 1956 With technical assistance from Alfred Westholm and Hans Asplund, UNESCO special envoys, a comprehensive project of restoration and enhancement of the building, carried out by the architects José García Bryce and Hector was prepared Velarde, and the Engineer Ricardo Valencia. 1957 the initial stage of restoration of the building, supported by the Peruvian government and the government of France, on the occasion of a major exhibition on French industry and culture. It opens 1961 Official opening of the Museum Art of Lima, March 10, with the opening of its permanent exhibition. 1973 INC declares the Exhibition Palace historic monument and as the home of a museum, Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
Machine translated from source: http://www.mali.pe/historia.php#1