Bibloteca Nacional: Brutalism in Recoleta

Although plans for a new library were iniciated in the 1960's by Clorindo Testa, under the direction of writer Jorge Luis Borges the complicated techniques, used for its construction and failing funds, meant it took decades to complete (it was finished in 1992)

Dominating the Plaza Ruben Dario, it is sometimes compared to a tree...or if you ask us, to a spaceship!

The brutalism style building has become a staple in Recoleta.

Modern and classic styles mix at one of the reading rooms

The three million books are kept safe at a root level, where they are protected from light and temperature flactuations, while the airy sunlight reading rooms are in the overhanging upper structure, which is design to maximise the public space beneath. Elements of the interior are comprimised by the fact that the arquitects were not consulted in the final stages of its constrution.

The library is located on the land were Eva's Peron weekend house used to be (demolished in the 50's) without a doubt a place with lots of history all around it.

Web Site: www.bibnal.edu.ar

Address: Aguero St 2502

Business Hours: Mondays through Fridays: 7 AM - 12 AM. Weekends: 12 PM - 7 PM

Free Admission