In April 2010, the windowed balcony of one of the most famous Downtown galleries reopened. Built in 1915, the Güemes Gallery was the first skyscraper of Buenos Aires, 14 floors and 87 meters tall, it offers a privileged view of the city. Outstanding exponent of the Art Nouveau movement, this gallery also known as “Paseo Florida” is on of the best buildings in Downtown Buenos Aires, few blocks away from Hostel Colonial.On 150 Florida St., this architectonic jewel hosted several stores through the years. In its basement, from a theater to a cabaret, many pubs and restaurants (including the one on the 14 floor) gave life to this gallery. Art Nouveau styled, the building contains many significant works by the most renowned Argentine architects. Its interior is full of ornaments, cantilevers and lights made of bronze, sculptures, forges and tons of marble.
A 116 meters passage connecting Florida St. and San Martín St. (the San Martín part of the building belonged to the Supervielle Bank), crowned by red granite, Italian marble, glass panels and two majestic domes. Its elevators are also famous by their particular design. Among its outstanding visitors are the French writer Saint-Exupéry who lived in one of the gallery’s apartments and wrote “Night flight”. In the restaurant “Piazzolla Tango” (former “Burlesque”) sang Gardel, while the famous Argentine writer Julio Cortazar dedicated its story “The other heaven” to this place.
Its windowed balcony can be visited every Thursday and offers a 360° privileged view of Downtown Buenos Aires. From there, you might see the Barolo Palace, the Congress, the River Plate and –in a good day with high visibility- the Uruguayan coast. The Güemes Gallery is a must for tourists and in these days it can be fully enjoyed with the reopening of its balcony.
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