Founded in 2007, El museo de reproducciones fotograficas is a lending collection of more than 1,200 high-quality print reproductions, clipped from books on art, architecture, design, and crafts. Each object has been formally accessioned into Triple Candie's permanent collection and is accompanied by a cataloguing record that includes information gleaned exclusively from each object's original caption, meaning that many are incomplete or inaccurate. Additionally, each cataloguing entry includes a detailed condition report, whch is updated each time the object is deinstalled.

The Museo collection was established by Triple Candie for several reasons. First, it provided a means of educating a local public about art history by providing access to great works -- in the tradition of the great cast and copy museums of the 19th century. Secondly, it provided Triple Candie with an inexpensive alternative to borrowing actual artworks. Finally, it underscored Triple Candie's interest in "re-fetishizing the reproduction" following its widespread de-valuation in the 20th century.

When the Museo was first exhibited in its entirety at Triple Candie in 2007, a writer for Frieze magazine commented: "It is a project that asks questions about the authenticity of the experience of looking at art, and the ownership of masterpieces and artefacts." In 2008, the entire collection was lent to and exhibited at Rutgers University, an appropriate venue, given the Russian samizdat art collection at the Zimmerli Art Museum just down the street.

To find out how to borrow the collection, or a portion of it, send an email to Triplecandie@aol.com or call 212.368.3333.