El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world
El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore in Buenos Aires is considered by many as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The building which hosts the bookstore today was inaugurated in 1919 as an elegant theater, the "Grand Splendid", designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol, with 4 rows of theater boxes, 500 seats, a dome painted by Italian Nazareno Orlandi, and sculptures by Troiani to the sides of the stage, and on the Greek style front marquee. In the year 2000, the building was acquired by Yenny-El Ateneo bookstore and restored to maintain its original features.
Access to the bookstore is free to anyone who wants to visit. Since January 2026, visitors also have the chance to buy a ticket for the "Grand Splendid Experience", an immersive experience to discover the history and transformation of this iconic building from a lavish cinema-theater to becoming the most beautiful bookstore in the world. This experience takes place in the 3rd floor of the building, which until recently was closed to the general public.
Tickets for this experience can be purchased at the store, and include a coffee/drink with an exclusive close up view of the dome.
In 2008 El Ateneo Grand Splendid was listed in the second place in the list of 10 fairest bookstores in the world, according to Sean Dodson from British newspaper The Guardian: "El Ateneo has retained its former splendor, with high painted ceiling, original balconies and ornate carvings intact. Even the crimson stage curtains remain part of the show. Comfy chairs are scattered throughout, the stage is utilized as a reading area and cafe, and even better, the former theatre boxes are used as tiny reading rooms".
Opening times:
Bookstore: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 9 pm. Sundays: Noon to 9 pm.
Grand Splendid Experience: Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm - Sundays: 1 pm to 8 pm.
*Important information about the Grand Splendid Experience: The café and interactive scene area are accessible to people with reduced mobility. There is an elevator available on the ground floor.
The immersive room and the old galleries (where the stage is viewed from above) are located on a higher level, accessible only by stairs. They do not have accessible access because they are part of the theater's original structure, which cannot be modified.