- Address: Av. Santa Fe 1860, 1123 CABA, Argentina
- Website: yenny-elateneo.com
- Phone: +541148136052
- Opening date: May 1919.
- Architects: Perot and Torres Armengol
- Working hours: from 09:00 to 22:00
- Cost of visit: free of charge
The most beautiful and famous bookstore not only in Argentina , but all over the world is El Ateneo Grand Splendid. It is located in the city of Buenos Aires at the Recoleta district, Santa Fe Avenue, 1860.
History of sight
The building was built according to the project of the architects Perot and Torres Armenogo. Initially, it housed one of the city's theaters. The inauguration of the landmark took place in 1919. A little later the building was reconstructed into a cinema, and in 2000 a bookshop was opened here, opened by the Ateneo trading network.
New life of the building
The renovated shop-theater is the work of the famous architect Fernando Mansone. According to the idea of the author, the former cinema hall was converted into a library. Comfortable chairs were replaced by bookshelves and boxes, in which readers can turn over pages of the book they liked.
Interior finish
The interior of El Ateneo Grand Splendid has preserved the frescoes of Nazareno Orlandi - an artist from Italy. The wooden carving in the building, the lighting on the stage and the luxurious curtain of scarlet color remain the same as at the beginning of the 20th century. Recent additions have become a cozy cafe and escalators, delivering visitors to the right floor.
How to get there?
The El Ateneo Grand Splendid library is most conveniently reached by bus. The nearest stop "Avenida Santa Fe 2001-2099" is located 10 minutes walk. Here buses number 39A, B, C, E arrive; 111 A, B, E.
The best library in Argentina is open to tourists every day from 09:00 to 22:00 hours. Free admission. When visiting the sights, it is important to follow the rules provided:
- do not speak loudly;
- do not litter;
- take care of books;
- be polite towards employees and other visitors.