Definition.org

Definitions, Translations, and Word of the Day

Hide Advertisement
  • Homes
    • Abandoned
    • Renovations
    • Haunted
  • Entertainment
  • Vintage
  • Videos
Site logo
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Century-Old Theater Transformed Into Enchanting ‘Most Beautiful’ Bookstore

April 1, 2019 | By Matthew D'Onofrio
Advertisement - Continue reading below
most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Roberto Fiadone

Welcome to the Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It’s a pretty big bookstore and a pretty big deal. In fact, it’s considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

The building, located at 1860 Santa Fe Avenue in the Barrio Norte neighborhood, was conceived in May 1919. It was designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol. Originally, it was not a bookstore, but actually a theater.

Advertisement

The Teatro Gran Splendid sat over a thousand people and held a variety of performances onstage, most famously featuring well-known tango artists like Carlos Gardel. It was then converted into a cinema. In 1929, it showed the first sound films in the country. Decades later, in February 2000, it was converted by Grupo Ilhsa into one of the best-known bookshops in Argentina today. It was even rated No. 2 on The Guardian‘s list of the top 10 bookstores across the world. In 2019, National Geographic named it the “world’s most beautiful bookstore.”

You know the library that the Beast shows Belle in Beauty and the Beast? This is like that, but real … and better.

El Ateneo takes up 21,000 square feet. It fills that space with books, people, live music, coffee, and good times.

most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Liam Quinn

Over a million tourists visit it every year, and in 2007 they sold over 700,000 books.

The architect behind the project, Fernando Manzone, wanted to keep the original, beautiful look of the theater.

The balconies remained, and so did the ceiling frescoes created by Nazareno Orlandi and sculptures by Troiano Troiani.

most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Phillip Capper

The theater box seats stayed, too, and now serve as little reading rooms for those who want them.

And we forgot to mention that the main stage was converted into a café.

El Ateneo’s foundation as a theater isn’t truly lost, as a pianist fills the space with music during the afternoons.

most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Liam Quinn

Check out more images below. Would you be interested in checking out the Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world? Be sure to SHARE this gorgeous theater-turned-bookstore with your friends on Facebook.

most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Stanley Wood
most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Galio
most beautiful bookstores
Source: Wikimedia Commons/Galio
Editor’s Note: This piece was first published on April 17, 2017.
← Previous Post Next Post →
Advertisement - Continue reading below
Share  On Facebook

This Ancient Temple Has Revealed Secrets of Mayan Burial Rituals

You Won’t Believe What This British Ghost Hunter Saw Outside of a Famous Prison

Health Myths Debunked 

This Guy Has Us All Beat: He Turned a Meteorite Into an Engagement Ring

10 of the Spookiest Spots in Minnesota That Are Guaranteed to Give You Nightmares

Angkor Wat Was an Even Bigger Feat Than All of the Egyptian Pyramids Combined

Baby Awakens From Coma Moments Before Life Support Was Turned Off

Check Your Garage: These Items Could Be Worth Some Money

The Story About the History of This Abandoned Mining Town Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

Explore This Incredibly Ornate 125-Year-Old Victorian House

5 Discounts Seniors Only Get If They Ask

Inside This Spooky 17th Century French Chateau Is Like Stepping Into the Past

sidebar

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

sidebar-alt

  • About
  • Imprint
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy