Discover El Ateneo: World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore in Argentina 🏛️
⭐The El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, a true gem in the heart of Buenos Aires, has been hailed as the world’s most beautiful bookstore by National Geographic and ranked second by The Guardian.
❗This architectural marvel is not only the largest and most opulent bookstore in South America but also stands as the second-largest in the world, offering an unparalleled experience for book lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
❤️Originally intended as a palace for the Queen of Argentina, this historic building later transformed into a prominent theater, radio station, and record company, carrying with it a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
.
1. For the perfect photo opportunity, head to the second floor, where you can capture the breathtaking panorama of the El Ateneo Grand Splendid, complete with its iconic red velvet curtain.
2. The ceiling paintings, created by Italian artist Nazareno Orlandi to commemorate the end of World War I, are over a century old and add a touch of grandeur to the space. During the theater era, these stunning artworks also served as a natural acoustic amplifier, enhancing the sound quality without the need for modern technology.
3. The small boxes on either side of the stage have been converted into cozy mini-reading rooms, while the stage itself now serves as a charming spot for readers to relax, enjoy snacks, and sip on coffee.
4. Music aficionados will delight in the basement, which houses an extensive collection of authentic vinyl records and CDs, featuring a wide array of Latin American styles and genres.
5. The entrance area on the first floor is a treasure trove of diaries, fridge magnets, and other souvenirs, though be prepared for slightly higher prices.
6. Food enthusiasts and culinary artists can explore the food book section on the first floor, where they’ll find traditional Argentine cuisine and bread recipe books, some of which are bilingual in English and Spanish, making them both accessible and portable.
7. Football fans can make a pilgrimage to the dedicated football section on the second floor, though most of the titles are in Spanish, adding an authentic local flavor.
8. The third floor is a haven for young adult literature, featuring the Spanish version of Harry Potter, magical and romantic novels, and an impressive collection of Spanish manga that spans an entire wall. It’s a must-visit for Spanish learners looking to immerse themselves in the language (remember to check online for better deals on Marvel series and the Argentine national comic Mafalda, which are available on the first floor).
9. For books without price tags, use the computer on the second floor to check the prices and avoid any unexpected costs—books here are generally on the pricier side.
10. Shopping bags come at a cost, so if you prefer, bring your own to carry your treasures home.
11. The fourth floor remains a sealed-off, mysterious area, rumored to preserve historical artifacts from the building’s past, adding an air of intrigue to this already enchanting place.
Finally, I managed to get my hands on a beautifully crafted book about traditional Argentine cuisine, complete with sharp, crisp corners [Eating Melon R] ~. Interestingly, I couldn’t find the exact same edition online, and it set me back around 200 RMB. You can pick it up at the 15th location. They mentioned that there’s no discount on books, but there might be a cash discount available on cultural and creative products.
So, if you’re planning to buy, make sure to double-check for any possible savings [Sideways Glance R]~
