The Art Museum of El Salvador (MARTE- for its Spanish acronym) was inaugurated on May 22nd, 2003. It is a private, non-profit institution operating under the responsibility of the El Salvador’s Museum of Art Association, created for that purpose and whose legal status was awarded through Executive Agreement No. 338, published in the Official Gazette No. 89 Volume 347, on May 6th, 2000.  Despite its short life, the museum has become an obligatory reference spot of Central America’s cultural life, thanks to the association’s diligence.

MARTE showcases a permanent exhibit of Salvadoran art, featuring masterpieces of its own collection as well as artworks belonging to private collections and to the national heritage. This exhibit offers an ample scope of Salvadoran art from the mid XIX Century to contemporary times.  Additionally, the museum features a program of temporary exhibitions giving El Salvador a first time opportunity to display and share masterpieces of the foremost universal artists. Exhibitions are complimented with an educational program which includes guided visits mainly offered to students of the country’s public schools, a training program for teachers, and assorted activities directly linked to the exhibitions.
MARTE keeps contacts with prestigious international organizations, among them:

● Soumaya Museum in Mexico

● Ortiz Guardián Foundation in Nicaragua

● Carlos Mérida National Museum of Modern Art in Guatemala

● Mexico Museum of Modern Art

● Cisneros Foundation in Venezuela

● State Society for Cultural Action Abroad, SEACEX

● Costa Rica Museum of Art and Contemporary Design

● Costa Rica Art Museum

We are part of the North American Reciprocal Museums Program (NARM, for its English acronym). 
We also offer other services, among them the museum shop, “Punto” the on-grounds restaurant, and the museum’s facilities for hosting social and corporate events upon request.

Mission Statement
Contribute to the country’s educational and cultural development through the conservation and diffusion of our artistic heritage, reinforcing historical knowledge, reaffirming cultural values that shape our identity, and promoting the new artistic languages.
Vision
Be an institution recognized for its significant contribution to the development of visual arts, stimulating creativity and dialogue, respecting individualities and bringing about the quest for new horizons to Salvadoran art.

Objectives
● Create awareness on the importance of keeping, appraising and increasing our artistic legacy.

● Search for effective outreach mechanisms to take art to the communities. Stimulate art knowledge and the appreciation of artists and their works.

● Contribute to the educational development of professionals in the arts and related careers.

● Disseminate works of artists at local level as well as internationally.