¿Um, Can I Come In?

Today I went over to the house of Martiniano Arce, the "Filetador de Buenos Aires". This is the place I walk by everyday, admire the building, and keep walking. Now that I know a little more about the "Filete" painting style, I was totally intrigued. I was also under the impression it was open to the public. So I walk by, and don't see a door (the house is on the top floor). I go to the little cafe underneath it, and ask the nice old man about the house up top. He said it's very beautiful there, just try buzzing the door and they might let you in. I'm like.... ooook. What exactly am I supposed to say? Well, it went a little something like this:

(after standing by the buzzer for 5 minutes, thinking of what to say)
Me: Buzz.
Lady: Si?
Me: Hello! I read in a magazine about your house. Can I see it? (Of course a giant bus storms by, and she hears nothing)
Lady: Wait, I'm coming down.
...
Lady: So... what are wanting to do?
Me: I read in a magazine about your house. Is private house, yes?
Lady: Yes
Me: So, I can come in and see it?
Lady: Welllll... (laughing a little at this point)
Me: Sorry, I understood that there is a gallery here?
Lady: Oh! The gallery is actually on Calle Cerrito, this is just his house.
Me: Riiiiight. Gracias!

So I definitley walked up to a stranger's house and asked if I can come in and see it. I was less sad about not being let in, and more happy that I didn't chicken out and managed to have this conversation. The lady was very very nice about it. It was all pretty funny. But, I was able to get a glimpse of the ceiling fan from the street, and it definitely is pimped out with the filete painting. Me loves.