Caitlin McCoy
Buenos Aires is known as one of the most important cultural centers in Latin America because of its impressive number of museums, theaters and universities. Studying abroad in Buenos Aires give you access to some of the most prestegious, historical, and cultural sights in Latin America. This year, Buenos Aires was named the “2011 World Book Capital” by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This honor is understandable considering the incredible events in Buenos Aires year round which are dedicated to authors, books, reading and bookstores. Every year on April 23rd, the city hosts a vibrant celebration for World Book Day which often occurs around the same time as Buenos Aires’ famous, annual International Book Fair, Feria Internacional del Libro. The Feria del Libro hosts authors from all over Argentina, South America, and the world for two weeks’ worth of book and poetry readings, signings, and lectures on literature of all kinds for people of all ages.
Another literary celebration took place a couple weeks ago, when Buenos Aires celebrated the rich history of its bookstores, librerías, and their contributions to the literary and academic culture of the city. The event represented the city’s commitment to promoting books and reading, especially for children and teens.
Buenos Aires is home to hundreds of bookstores, but undoubtedly the most notable is El Ateneo Grand Splendid. In 2008, British periodical, The Guardian, honored El Ateneo with second place among the 10 best bookstores in the world. This bookstore boasts a remarkable history which enriches its stunning and truly unique ambiance.
Situated Barrio Norte, El Ateneo was designed by the architects Peró and Torres Armengol and originally opened as a theater, Teatro Gran Splendid, in May of 1919. The building features ceiling frescoes and ornate sculptures and carvings by renowned Italian artists and sculptors.
The theater had a seating capacity of 1,050, and staged a variety of performances, including appearances by famous tango artists like Carlos Gardel, Francisco Canaro, Roberto Firpo and Ignacio Corsini.
In the late 1920s, the theater was converted into a movie theater, and in 1929 it showed the first sound films in Argentina.
The opulent former theater was leased by Grupo Ilhsa, who owns El Ateneo, Yenny booksellers and the El Ateneo publishing house, in February of 2000. Soon after, the theater underwent renovation and was converted into a book and music store.
Over a million people walk through El Ateneo Grand Splendid’s doors annually, making it the busiest bookstore in Buenos Aires. There are cozy chairs scattered throughout the store, including seats in its glamorous theater boxes. Once reserved only for the Buenos Aires elite, customers can now sit in these luxurious boxes and enjoy books before purchase. There is also a lovely café on the back of what was once the stage, which is the perfect place to grab a café con leche on a rainy day. The magnificent frescos, elaborate carvings, crimson stage curtains, auditorium lighting and architectural details that remain today preserve the rich, old world feeling of the grand theater while creating an extraordinary bookstore experience.