Treat yourself to a shopping trip amid the art nouveau grandeur of the Galería Güemes, one of the most attractive gallerias in Buenos Aires. Under its two domes that tower 285 feet (87 metres) above street level are restaurants, shops and a theatre. The multipurpose building has 14 floors including apartments and offices. When it opened in 1915 it was one of Argentina’s tallest buildings.
The galleria connects St. Martin Street with Florida Street via a 380-foot-long (116-metre) walkway. Along its length are two levels of shops selling cosmetics, perfumes, leather jackets, children’s clothing and many more items.
Even if you don’t want to make a purchase, come to admire the architecture and extravagant interior. Look for ornamental archways, stained-glass windows, decorative ironwork, vaulted ceilings and marble corridors.
A large, glass façade and bronze and marble sculptures decorate the passageway. Delight in the beauty of the glass domes and the grand entrances to the elevators. The gallery on the second level contains photographs of the building in its early years.
Leave some time for the viewing platform on the 14th floor to take in panoramic views of the city. Among the landmarks you will be able to see from here are the dome of the Congress building and the huge tower of the City Legislature Palace.
Enjoy a night of Argentine food, music and dancing at the Astor Piazzolla Theatre in the galleria’s basement. Reserve a table for dinner in the auditorium and then watch a performance by renowned tango dancers, musicians and singers. Carlos Gardel, tango’s first superstar and a revered figure in Argentina, once performed here.
Galería Güemes is open every day from early morning until late in the evening, although different stores keep their own hours of business. The galleria is in downtown Buenos Aires, easily accessible by bus and the subway system. Find metered parking lots and garages in nearby streets.
