A hypnotic theatre turned bookshop in Buenos Aires
A 1919 palatial theatre in Buenos Aires, named the ‘El Ateneo Grand Splendid’, has been transformed into a booklover’s paradise. Originally designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol for Empresario Max Glücksmann, the auditorium features spacious ceiling murals painted by Italian artist Nazareno Orlandi and caryatids sculpted by Troiano Troian which subsequently created an ecclesiastical structure.
Before becoming one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, the theatre used to showcase opera and tango shows and was home to credible performers such as the legendary singer Carlos Gardel. Over the years, live performances slowed down and the palatial theatre became a cinema before its final change into a bookshop.
The reformed theatre offers a wide range of books, CDs and films on Blu-ray DVD whilst guests are immersed by the magnificent grandeur of the theatre that surrounds them. The interior features the main focal point, the dome, which is decorated with Italian paintings, balconies and theatre boxes finished off with bronze railings and original lighting.
Image provided by Galio
Visitors can take centre stage and walk through the luxurious velvet burgundy curtains and enjoy a live piano performance. The shop offers quiet reading areas in the boxes and balconies, and an enormous selection of children's books in the basement area.
The shop has become a must see in Buenos Aires with an estimated 10 million visitors a year with a remarkable 700,000 items sold.
Images provided by Miguel Vieira and Niels Mickers
