It is one of the most important creations in Buenos Aires’ urban heritage. The Fuente de las Nereidas has withstood the passage of time and prevailing prejudices. It stands majestically on the banks of the Río de la Plata, arousing the curiosity of those who admire it.
Join us on a journey through its history, the life of its creator and the many attractions around it.
A dazzling fountain
Located in Costanera Sur, at the intersection of what is now Avenida Tristán Achával Rodríguez with Padre Migone Street, in Puerto Madero, the Fuente de las Nereidas is a monumental work standing 11-metres tall. Argentine artist Lola Mora made it in Rome, and it took her two years to finish it.
What do its figures represent? The birth of Aphrodite, who is assisted and held by two creatures that give the fountain its name: the nereids.
In Greek mythology, these ocean nymphs, daughters of the sea god Nereus embody beauty and seduction, as well as a certain compassion for sailors and humankind. The fountain is completed with three tritons riding their horses, emerging from the water.
The first model of this fountain was made in clay, on a much smaller scale. Then, assisted by professional studio workers and students, as Renaissance artists traditionally worked, Lola Mora made another model in plaster, this time the same size as the current fountain. The final result was a sculpture made with Carrara marble.
After its arrival in Argentina in 1902, the fountain was first installed in Plaza de Mayo, then behind Casa Rosada, and finally, after the controversy over its nude figures, it was relocated to its current site on Buenos Aires’ Costanera Sur, in Puerto Madero.
A visit to Fuente de las Nereidas is only the beginning of a fascinating tour through Buenos Aires. Just a short walk from this artistic gem, you will find fancy Retironeighbourhood, historic Plaza San Martín and the prestigious Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where you can immerse yourself in Argentine culture and art.
You can also take the chance to enjoy outdoors in the surrounding green area. Stroll along its paths, relax in its parks and discover the natural beauty that complements this artistic experience.
The passion and talent of a pioneering woman sculptor
Behind this fantastic work was Lola Mora, the first Latin American woman sculptor. She was a central figure in Argentina’s artistic scene of the late XNUMXth and early XNUMXth centuries. Her talent and boldness earned her public recognition and admiration, though not without controversy.
Lola Mora also sculpted busts of several prominent figures from Argentine politics and aristocracy, such as Juan Bautista Alberdi, Facundo Zuviría, Aristóbulo del Valle, Carlos María de Alvear and Nicolás Avellaneda. She also made allegorical sculptures: the statues of Justice, Progress, Peace and Liberty in Jujuy and some sculptures at the Monumento Histórico Nacional a la Bandera, in Rosario. Her remarkable talent earned her a scholarship to further her studies in Europe.
Among the tributes she has received are the establishment of November 17, her birthdate, as the National Sculptor’s and Plastic Arts’ Day by the Argentine National Congress and the creation of the Lola Mora Awards, which recognize media that promote equality.
As you may have noticed, the Fuente de las Nereidas is much more than just a sculpture: it is an invitation to immerse yourself in Argentine history and art. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a curious traveller, this iconic work awaits your discovery.