El Ateneo Grand Splendid
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What people say
Nicki Post
Available for hire
"El Ateneo Grand Splendid is now a massive bookstore in what was once El Teatro Gran Splendid, opened in 1919.
Today, the remnants of the old theatre are still extremly obvious. What was once the stage is now a cafe. There is a large open area on the main floor full of rows of books, and above that, several balconies also full of books. You can easily imagine the seating from the balconies looking over the ledge to watch the theatre.
This bookstore was named as the "Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World," by the National Geographic (2019) and the second most beautiful in the world by the Guardian in 2008.
I'll admit that it is beautiful. It's definitely a spectacle, and something to see. However, there is something depressing about it at the same time. The energy doesn't feel quite right, and it doesn't feel all that grand or regal, but a bit old. In need of a renovation. I recommend stopping in, but also don't put your expectations too high.
The cafe on the stage has several tables. Prices are affordable. Take a break and grab a coffee and something sweet."
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Ariel Blakeman
"A former theatre, the Grand Splendid is one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. It preserves the splendour and elegance of the former Gran Splendid theatre/cinema, which was designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol.
Located in the Recoleta neighbourhood, El Grand Spendid theatre opened in 1919 and immediately became a beacon of porteño culture, hosting ballet, opera, and the first "talkies" shown in Buenos Aires.
The venue was converted into a bookstore in the year 2000, beautifully preserving the original decoration, including the dome, which was painted with frescoes by Italian Nazareno Orlandi. The store stocks around 120,000 books and there is a bar on what was the stage area of the theatre, where you can drink a coffee while reading."
Niko Dudi
"One of the biggest and beautiful libraries in the world! Even though you can buy books, music and movies, coming here and enjoy the inside is an experience itself.
The biggest library in South America and recognised by magazines like National Geographic and The Guardian.
The opening was in 2000 but the building is the old Gran Splendid Theatre from the beginning of XX century and still have some construction (boxes at the top) and decoration from that time. In the old stage with the big curtains works a coffee shop where you can sit with your own book and have a peaceful moment to read something."
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About El Ateneo Grand Splendid
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