El Ateneo Grand Splendid 🇦🇷

Step into El Ateneo Grand Splendid on Santa Fe Avenue in Barrio Norte, Buenos Aires, and experience a spectacular fusion of historic theatre and modern bookshop. Originally opened in May 1919 as the Teatro Gran Splendid, this eclectic building once hosted legendary tango artists like Carlos Gardel and screened Argentina's first sound films in 1929. Later converted into a book and music store by architect Fernando Manzone, it now serves as a breathtaking flagship venue where over a million people walk through the doors annually.

Renowned internationally, it was named the world's second most beautiful bookshop by The Guardian in 2008 and the world's most beautiful bookstore by National Geographic in 2019. As you explore this sprawling 2,000-square-meter space, you will discover book-filled shelves taking the place of original theatre seating. Look up to admire stunning ceiling frescoes painted by Italian artist Nazareno Orlandi and intricate caryatids sculpted by Troiano Troiani.

You can sit in the still-intact theatre boxes to browse, marvel at the preserved crimson stage curtains and auditorium lighting, or visit the café created at the back of what was once the stage. It retains all the grandeur of a historic theatre.

What to see at El Ateneo Grand Splendid

• Ceiling frescoes painted by Italian artist Nazareno Orlandi
• Caryatids sculpted by Troiano Troiani
• A café situated at the back of the former stage
• Customer seating in the intact historic theatre boxes
• Preserved crimson stage curtains and auditorium lighting

Visiting tips

Take a seat inside one of the intact theatre boxes to read while soaking in the historic atmosphere.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Flexible

How to get there & what’s nearby

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is easy to reach on Buenos Aires’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Colón Theater and Cabildo of Buenos Aires. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Buenos Aires travel guide.