El Ateneo: 100-year-old Theatre turned Famous Bookstore

Whether you are a bookworm or not, this famous bookstore is a sight you do not want to miss. Once a Theater, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is now an extravagant bookstore and voted by many global publications as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. As soon as you walk in you will notice the ceiling frescoes and caryatids, which are painted and sculpted by famous Italian artists Nazareno Orlandi and Troiano Troiani. Whether you are looking to purchase a book or just want to gaze upon the historic architecture, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a must-see in Buenos Aires.

Before becoming a bookshop, it was an exquisite theatre with the name “Theater Grand Splendid”. The theatre was built in 1919 and had a seating capacity of 1,050. The theater hosted a variety of world renowned tango performances, including tango artists Carlos Gardel, Franciso Canaro, Roberto Firpo and Ignacio Corsini. The theater also hosted the first showings of audible film in Argentina in 1929. However, in 2000, the owners ordered the architect to exchange the cinema seating for tall bookshelves and El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore was born.

Home to hundreds of thousands of books, each floor of the former theatre is dedicated to a different set of genres. The stage of the theater was transformed into a café, while the crimson curtains and box offices still remain in the building. The bookstore is now a top tourist destination and more than one million people walk through its doors annually. Located on 1860 Sante Fe, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is an easy way to spend a rainy autumn afternoon in Buenos Aires.