Monday, August 27, 2007

This Ain't no Barnes and Noble

This is No Barnes and Nobel: El Ateneo Bookstore

El Ateneo is one of the most wonderful bookstores in the world. It is housed in a famous Buenos Aires theater that was built around 1919. The theater was known as the place to see the famous Tango artists of the day. Later, the theater was converted into the first movie house with sound in Buenos Aires.

Look close at the stage. It is now the cafe. It is a wonderful place to hang out, especially on a cold and rainy day like today.

This is No Barnes and Nobel:  El Ateneo

Check out the wonderful detail on the ceiling that was painted by Orlandi. The ceiling murals are said to celebrate the end of Wold War I.

El Ateneo Ceiling Detail

2 comments:

Kels said...

Looks like heaven to me!

Tell Alicia i say "hi" and that im jealous that she gets to go to That "Barnes and Noble and not me!!!!

Ms. Herbie said...

Thanks Kelsey... I'll tell her. Even though they don't have many English books, it is still fun to go and browse. Our new friends always choose it as a meeting spot.