César Pelli's Final Masterpiece: A Son's Tribute to a Forgotten Sculptor

The Lola Mora Cultural Center, the final architectural endeavor of the globally acclaimed architect César Pelli, has reached completion, with his son, Rafael Pelli, playing a pivotal role in its realization. César Pelli, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 92, left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, renowned for designing monumental skyscrapers that redefined urban skylines. His most celebrated works include the striking Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, the iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the distinctive Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. In contrast to these towering structures, his last project is a more intimate, 32,000-square-foot museum nestled within the landscape of northwestern Argentina.

This significant final work is dedicated to Lola Mora (1886–1936), a pioneering Beaux Arts sculptor who was once one of Argentina's most celebrated artists. Mora's career, however, was tragically cut short by a conservative government, leading to her work being largely forgotten. The Lola Mora Cultural Center, situated in San Salvador de Jujuy, the provincial capital and a region close to the birthplaces of both Mora and Pelli, is designed to showcase her most important creations: six powerful marble sculptures representing human virtues. These sculptures were originally commissioned for the exterior of Argentina’s National Congress building in Buenos Aires, a testament to Mora's prominence in her time.

Rafael Pelli, a partner at the architectural firm Pelli Clarke & Partners, shared his father's deep personal connection to this project. He stated that César Pelli was "thrilled by the opportunity" and that the museum held "greatest meaning for him personally" and "greatest resonance within Argentina." Rafael also noted that even as César Pelli's overall workload decreased in his final years, he remained dedicated to projects in his native Argentina, with this museum being a particularly cherished undertaking.

The museum's design itself is a thoughtful tribute. Its fanning, leaflike form elegantly guides visitors towards a curved panoramic gallery. This central space is enveloped in glass, creating a sense of floating within the surrounding forest canopy. This immersive design not only frames Mora's sculptures but also aims to revive her nearly forgotten story, bringing her artistic legacy back into public consciousness. The architectural approach emphasizes a harmonious dialogue between the art, the natural environment, and the cultural heritage of the region, providing a poignant and fitting conclusion to César Pelli's illustrious career and a fitting platform for Lola Mora's enduring artistic contributions.