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Polaroid of the week: Grand Splendid El Ateneo – the most beautiful book store in Buenos Aires

Polaroid of the week: Grand Splendid El Ateneo – the most beautiful book store in Buenos Aires

Last Updated on March 23, 2021

polaroid of the week argentina buenos aires grand splendid el ateneo book storeWhat opened as a theater named Teatro Gran Splendid in 1919 is now home to the most beautiful book store in Buenos Aires – maybe even in the entire world! The building was first used as a theater, then was a cinema throughout the thirties, but was forced to shut its doors and sat empty for decades.

In 2000, the Ateneo bookstore chain bought the building and decided to renovate the historic theater to house its flagship store in the capital.  The theater seats were replaced by bookshelves, but the grand interior including the theater boxes and the red carpets remain.

The stage is now a cafe where you can sit and read while sipping a cafe con leche and looking out into the audience – of book-lovers browsing the shelves. If you come at night, musicians play typical Argentine music on pianos or accordions to entertain readers who enjoy their books in the former theater boxes. Sat on the stage at a small table, we listened to a fiery Argentine who passionately played the accordion, imagining what it must have been like to be on stage as an actor almost one hundred years ago, looking out into this beautiful hall.

It is no wonder why, within only a few years, the theater has become much more than just a bookstore. It now welcomes over 1 million people every year who curiously admire the architectural features, the ornate carvings, the stage curtains and the painted ceiling of what was once a place of grand and splendid performances.

 

Reas

Monday 26th of November 2012

Ahh how I loved this bookstore, even if the English book selection was an atrocity, It was really a great place to just browse and drink cafe con leche.

Jess

Wednesday 28th of November 2012

Hey Rease - totally! The only problem we had is that the prices in Buenos Aires have gone up so much that our two little coffees were just under $15 I think!

Mike

Saturday 24th of November 2012

Hi Dani & Jess,

This is a great Photo! I love your blog. It’s great seeing people take the plunge and follow what truly makes them happy. You have some amazing articles and photos. If you are ever interested in submitting any articles or photos to us at BarrelHopping, we have ongoing contests where you can win cash to help fund your continued travels.

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures

Friday 23rd of November 2012

For sure the most beautiful in the world!