If you are visiting Buenos Aires , there is a place you just cannot miss: Galería GüemesThis iconic building, a true Art Nouveau jewel built in the early XNUMXth century, invites you on a fascinating journey where its architectural beauty blends with history.
Its elegant interior arcades and the imposing dome crowning this unique space are just some of its highlights. But the experience doesn’t end there: we will tell you how to reach its observation deck and enjoy the most spectacular panoramic views of the City .
Read on and discover why this is a destination you should not miss!
An architectural treasure in the heart of Buenos Aires
Galería Güemes is a passageway that takes visitors back to the early 20th century. Strategically located in downtown Buenos Aires, this Art Nouveau masterpiece dazzles with its ornate façade and meticulously crafted details.
Conceived by entrepreneurs Emilio Güemes and Carlos Miguens and designed by the Italian architect Francisco Gianotti, its construction began in 1913 and finished in 1915, marking a milestone in the City’s history.
- It was the City first skyscraper, a symbol of progress and modernity that redefined the City’s skyline at the time.
- The imposing facade, which stretches along Florida St and Corrientes Ave.Features curved, organic lines, balconies with intricate ironwork, allegorical sculpted figures and richly ornamented windows rising majestically.
- Each detailfrom the bas-reliefs to the wrought-iron canopies, was designed to impress, reflecting the sophistication and splendour of a golden age in Argentina’s capital.
Upon entering, you will observe the elegance of bygone times alongside modern-day activity. You will find not only shops but also a historic theatre that has hosted countless performances as well as old offices that still preserve the essence of the period.
Thus, every corner of Galería Güemes tells a story, from its stained-glass windows to its marble staircases, making it a living museum.
Captivating details: from the dome to its arcades
As you stroll through Galería Güemes, take time to admire its interior arcades, with their soaring ceilings that seem to touch the sky and the natural light magically streaming in through ingenious skylights.
Be sure to take in the many details adorning each space: masterfully sculpted columns, delicate artistic ironwork, sculptures that seem almost alive and mosaics covering floors and walls.
Look up and you will marvel at the impressive central dome, a true gem of engineering and design. It stands out for its combination of Steel and copper, materials that give it both strength and a distinctive aesthetic. This use of metals, common in the architecture of the time, enabled the creation of lofty and elegant structures. Its design suggests a steel framework supporting the copper cladding, which overtime has acquired the characteristic greenish patina, lending it an air of antiquity and distinction.
Beyond its intrinsic beauty, the Galería Güemes’ dome is a distinctive feature that can be admired from the viewpoint on the 14th floor. As part of one of Buenos Aires first “skyscrapers”, it became a visual landmark on the City’s skyline, standing out amidst the buildings of the time.
The observation deck: Buenos Aires at your feet
Undoubtedly, one of the great highlights and an unmissable feature of Galería Güemes is the chance to visit its observation deck , where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of majestic Buenos Aires .
You will be able to spot iconic buildings, the Río de la Plata in the distance and the urban landscape stretching to the horizon. It is the perfect place to capture unforgettable photographs and a unique perspective of the City .
The terrace can be visited in small groups, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 13 pm and from 14 pm to 16:40 pm. For more information check their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buenosairesdesdelasalturas/?hl=es
Galería Güemes is not just a building, it is an experience steeped in the elegance and history of Buenos Aires. From its impressive arcades to its breathtaking views from its observation deck, it is an unmissable: spot in the City.
Make sure to include it in your itinerary!
Website: http://www.galeriaguemes.com.ar/