Hailed as the world’s most beautiful bookstore, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is more than a haven for book lovers. It’s a wondrous gateway, transporting visitors into a magical world of cultural richness that feels like stepping into a fairy tale!
El Ateneo Grand Splendid’s Rich History
Initially built as a theatre in 1903, the striking building now known as El Ateneo Grand Splendid opened its doors in 1919. Soon after it began operations, the Grand Splendid Theatre became a temple of the performing arts, showcasing Buenos Aires’ rich culture. Renowned for hosting opera, ballet, and tango performances, this historical building once welcomed them all.
Architects Peró and Torres Armengol made it possible for all grand designs to come to life, evoking the opulence of European theatres of the time. From its ornate balconies to the spectacular domes decorated with frescoes and red velvet curtains that precisely frame the stage, everything looks so magical!
Over the years, the Grand Splendid underwent various transformations. In 1929, the theatre became one of the first sound cinemas in Buenos Aires. The building also hosted some of the best films that captivated audiences across the world.
Later, in 2000, the Grand Splendid Theatre was restored and reimagined, becoming the magnificent bookstore we know today as El Ateneo Grand Splendid.
A Literary Sanctuary in the Heart of Buenos Aires
As you set foot in El Ateneo, you will immerse yourself in the exquisite architectural designs and a world of books. That’s more than certain! The former theatre has been transformed into cosy reading nooks for everyone. Theatre boxes have been converted into welcoming reading hideaways, allowing you to lose track of time as you explore thousands of literary works.
With a collection of more than 120,000 books covering a wide variety of genres and topics, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is truly a paradise on earth for book lovers. From literary classics to contemporary works, almost everything you need to satisfy your literary cravings is here.
The former stage has also been transformed into an elegant cafe, inviting hundreds of visitors, including yourself, to pause and take a moment to relax, enjoy sipping a cup of coffee, and take a bite of mouth-watering cake while enjoying reading your favourite book.
An Unforgettable Personal Experience…
Being able to talk and share my personal experiences about this grand place, I felt so honoured. I know it’s impossible to do justice to describing the beauty of El Ateneo Grand Splendid through words, but it’s worth a try!
As a lifelong book and history enthusiast, visiting this majestic bookstore was truly a dream come true for me. It felt so surreal, to be honest! The moment I set foot inside, I was so mesmerised by its beauty and felt warmth in the atmosphere it permeated.
While I was walking through the aisles filled with thousands of books, sniffing the scent of aged paper filling the air, and sitting in the old theatre boxes turned into reading nooks, everything was a magical experience. I felt like I was inside the book I was reading. It’s now one of the places that I will cherish in my memory forever. And I do wish that more people would too!
Plan Your Visit
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Buenos Aires, Argentina. If you want to explore the bookstore without much of a crowd, June is the best time to visit. This month is historically the quietest, making it the perfect time to enjoy exploring! On the other hand, January, February, and October are the most popular months to visit El Ateneo, so expect the bookstore to be at its busiest.
The two easiest ways to get to El Ateneo Grand Splendid are by bus or subway. For bus, there are several stops nearest to the intersection of Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Callao; just take lines 12, 37, 39, 17, or 124. For subway, take Line D (green line) and get off at the ‘Callao’ station. From there, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is just a short walk away, approximately 500 metres along Avenida Santa Fe. As you exit the station, head southeast on Avenida Callao towards Avenida Santa Fe, turn right onto Avenida Santa Fe, and you will find El Ateneo on your right. You can’t miss it!
Address: Av. Santa Fe 1860, C1123 CABA, Argentina
Website: The Ateneo Grand Splendid
Phone: +54 11 4813-6052
Opening Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9am – 10pm
Friday-Saturday: 9.00am – midnight
Sunday: 12 noon – 10pm
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Odessa
Sofia Leguiza
Sofia is a passionate, dreamy, lifelong reader and writer. Ever since she was a little girl, she has been immersed in the bookish world. Her love for literature led her to create her beloved blog, "A Book. A Thought." where she shares her thoughts on all the books she reads. Sofia firmly believes that literature has the power to transport us to different worlds, open our minds, and offer unique perspectives on life. With a good book by her side, she feels one is never truly alone. Sofia enjoys exploring a wide variety of genres within fiction, from fantasy to contemporary, believing that each story has its own beauty to explore.
