Exploring Buenos Aires: Visit the Amazing Galerías Pacífico

Located on the intersection of Calle Florida and Avenida Córdoba, at the heart of downtown Buenos Aires, Galerías Pacífico has to be the most architecturally beautiful shopping center in Argentina.

It was built in 1891, designed to resemble the Bon Marche in Paris, France. It was the major shopping mall in Buenos Aires until 1945, when the building was taken over by the state-run railroad company and fell into disuse and disrepair.

In the early 1990´s it was awarded to a private company as part of the overall privatization drive in Argentina and in 1992 it reopened in its current form, including the amazing glass ceilings and the beautiful restored murals under the dome painted by Argentine artists such as Juan Carlos Castagnino, Antonio Berni, Cirilo Colmenio, Lino Spilimbergo and Demetrio Urruchua. It was during the transition period, in 1945, that the paintings about the history of mankind were placed under the main dome. To get a good look at the paintings under the dome, go down the short staircase toward the food court.

While you are there, it is a good place to catch a quick bite, since the food court downstairs has a great variety of offerings. Beware, it gets very busy around 1 pm when the surrounding offices let out for lunch, so you may want to either stop by earlier or a bit later, otherwise you will not find a table. Some evenings there are quick shows presented on the food court stage.

Inside the building you will find the Centro Cultural Borges, with permanent art exhibits and the famous ballet dancer Julio Boca´s own dance academy (Escuela de Danzas de Julio Boca).

The Galería also features long halls and several levels of shops. Most international chains that operate in Argentina have branches here. Most shops show the “Tax Free” sign, so when you buy from those shops, present your passport, save the receipts and you can claim back most of the IVA (local tax) at the airport when leaving Argentina (it is about 16%, so you will get a nice refund).

On the ground level, check the information booth and ask them about the discount coupon book, which is available for all tourists and includes discounts to many of the shops there.

It is not the cheapest shopping mall in Buenos Aires, but it is worth a visit.  

Florida 753, Buenos Aires.