The 5 Most Beautiful Libraries In Buenos Aires, Argentina

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the best known bookshops in Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the best known bookshops in Buenos Aires, Argentina | © guillermo_bsas/Shutterstock
Jerry Nelson

Buenos Aires has an assortment of libraries ideal for escaping the heat with a good book. Some are great to relax in, while others are better from which to borrow. Here is Culture Trip’s guide to the five most beautiful libraries in Buenos Aires.

Loved by over 40s

Biblioteca Nacional Del Maestros

Library

Biblioteca Nacional Del Maestros
© WikiCommons
Debuting in 1870, this treasure of a library was turned over to the people in 1884 and features a luxurious façade that is matched by its glitzy interior, which is neat, roomy, and bright. Beiges, greens, and pinks surround mahogany under the high ceilings, with majestic bookshelves impressing a need for education by virtue of their height. With its addition of the Sala Americana – opened in 1998 – the Biblioteca Nacional gained a gorgeous reading room that is accessible by a winding staircase in the main hall. Less crowded than the rest of the library, Sala Americana’s draped windows and antique lighting impart a feeling of grandeur.

Biblioteca Nacional Militar in Plaza San Martin

In front of the Plaza San Martin and tucked inside the Circulo Militar, this library calls to mind Buenos Aires’ omnipresent military. Designed to shout aristocracy, the building feels too elaborate to be functional and should not be missed — even if you’re not a martial fan. Leather-bound desks, mirrored walls and a marble hearth combine to create a sense of royalty in the reading room, and even the door is plated in gold. Containing over 60,000 works, topics include war strategy, martial history and international military magazines from America, Brazil, and France. The library is accessible to the public yet accommodates only 15 people at a time, however, so plan your visit accordingly.

Biblioteca Nacional Militar, Santa Fe 750, Buenos Aires, Argentina +54 011 4311 1071

Military Library in Plaza San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Biblioteca Nacional Argentina

Library

Biblioteca Nacional Mariano Moreno
© Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 18+ / Alamy Stock Photo
The earliest and most comprehensive in the nation, this is not just Argentina’s largest collection of information, but it is the most influential in Latin America. Established by Mariano Moreno more than 200 years ago in Microcentro, the library was moved to Montserrat before finding its current home in Recoleta. The property, first owned by Unzue Place, was taken by the state in 1937 and made the official home of Juan Peron and his spouse, Eva ‘Evita’ Peron. She died in the extension that faces the ocean. When Peron was exiled, the palace was torn down and the current library was eventually built on the land.

Biblioteca del Congreso de la Nación

Library

Biblioteca del Congreso de la Nación
© meunierd/Shutterstock
This vast library is located adjacent to Congress and has provided information to congressional members and the public for over 150 years. Once you’re past security, visitors enter a high-ceilinged foyer containing original marble and bronze torsos of Rivadavia and San Martin. Despite a vast collection of over three million pieces, the library’s layout is easy to understand. Everything is contained within one large foyer and subdivided into sections for multimedia, reading, reference, and microfilm which project newspapers from as early as 1810.

Biblioteca Publica Municipal Miguel Cané

Library

Pop Art Borges
© Diariodecultura.com
The bones of this library building are nothing to get excited about, but the invaluable assets inside justify its inclusion on this list: it is the former workplace of infamous Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. Over the main reading room is a small room continuously occupied by the writer throughout his career, home to his original desk and other bibliographic artefacts which are still on display. The famous Spanish writer Juan Cruz Ruiz describes the room as a ‘mark of homage’ to Borges and is something which should never disappear.
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Keen to explore the world?

Our passionately curated premium small-group trips are an invitation to connect with like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.