BICENTENARY CULTURAL CENTER (By Hostel Buenos Aires)

Opened temporarily days before the Argentine Bicentenary (last May 25th), the Bicentenary Cultural Center is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the last years. Located in the former Mail Palace (339 Leandro N. Alem Avenue, in the corner with Sarmiento St.), the plan combines exhibition rooms, places dedicated to music and several auditorium for multiple purposes, in a building that will mix the classic Porteño architecture with avant-garde proposals.

The CCB Project, as it’s known, was chosen among 40 candidates and foresees a large restoration process in the building (one of the most stunning constructions in our city) and its extension as a space for culture. The project contemplates more that 110 thousand square meters (only the part dedicated to exhibitions has been completed) which should be opened by the end of the next year.

The idea of the architects is to open the different spaces that compose the new building progressively. By the end of 2010, all the exhibition rooms for visual arts will be ready. It’s also programmed to show the rest of the wide collection of our Fine Arts Museum that’s stored because of lack of space. Some great painters and sculptors as Rodin, Picasso or Van Gogh will finally return for the public enjoyment.

When finished, the Bicentenary Cultural Center will be one of the largest cultural spaces in the world. A new place which will enrich the traditional Porteño museums and cultural centers net, just four blocks away from Hostel Colonial. For more information, visit the BBC project website.