Galería Güemes: An Architecture Gem

I just love to walk around looking at architecture and Buenos Aires is filled with gems, many of them along calle Florida, the main pedestrian shopping street in Buenos Aires.

Located at calle Florida 165 (map), close to the Florida/Peru subway station, you will find the not so famous Galería Güemes. Based on the exterior appearance you wouldn’t think to look inside this building, which houses the Piazzolla Tango Centro de Arte y Espectáculo and some shops, but do pop inside for a look at one of the most gorgeous interiors in Buenos Aires.

The architect who designed it was Francesco Gianotti, the same who designed the unique Café del Molino across from the Congreso Nacional, at the corner of Avenida Rivadavia and Callao. The interior of the Galería Güemes features a mix of Art Nouveau, Gothic and Neoclassical architecture. Of special interest to me are the beautiful stained glass domes that look like giant eyeballs as well as the ornate elevator banks.

Also, the interior of the Piazzolla Tango Theateris one of the most beautiful in Buenos Aires, an Art Nouveau gem. Here you can have dinner while enjoying a first class tangoshow. It is a bit pricey, but what the hell, a night out in Buenos Aires is a must.

Galería Güemes

Florida 165 – Monserrat

4342-6838

Photo credit: _Teb and Alice Springson Flickr