Bookstores aren’t usually the top tourist attractions in any city. But if you’re planning an Argentina trip and will be spending a few days in the city of Buenos Aires, there’s one bookstore that nearly everyone recommends visiting: El Ateneo Grand Splendid.
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Located on the bustling Avenida Santa Fe in the Barrio Norte district, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a tourist attraction in its own right because of its history and its architectural beauty. Opened in 1919 as a theater called Teatro Gran Splendid, the building was designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol, and features soaring ceilings, intricate details and gorgeous frescoes by the Italian artist Nazareno Orlando, as well as sculptures by Troiano Troiani.
The 1,050-seat theater hosted a variety of performances, including tango performances by Carlos Gardel. In the 1920s, the theater became a cinema, and in 1929 presented the first sound films in Argentina.
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In 2000, a company called Grupo Ilhsa leased the building and began converting it into a bookstore. The theater seating was removed but the company luckily maintained and refreshed the original decor elements, including the theater boxes and balcony seating. Today, it’s a sprawling, multi-floor bookstore that’s worth wandering even if you’re not in the market for a book. You can stop for a coffee at the cafe on the original stage, perhaps enjoy some live music and also admire original art exhibits on the upper floors (be sure to visit those upper floors to fully appreciate the theater’s splendor and snap some cool photos).
It may be just a bookstore, but El Ateneo Grand Splendid is also one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world — and a visit is one of the top free things to do in Buenos Aires.
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HOW I TOURED BUENOS AIRES: Borello Travel & Tours puts together customized and group tours in Buenos Aires, including vacation packages that include extremely good room rates at various hotels, based on your taste and budget.
HOW I GOT THERE: I flew United Airlines, on the amazing new United Polaris business class service, which is now available on nonstop flights between Newark and Buenos Aires.
https://departurelevel.com/argentina/5-amazing-ways-to-enjoy-tango-in-buenos-aires/