Galerías Pacífico: shopping and art in a single place

 

“Galerías Pacífico” is one of the most successful shopping centers of Argentina and one of the most frequented by tourists in Buenos Aires. It was declared a National Historic Monument for its architecture of undeniable artistic value and its stunning murals.

Those who visit the city of Buenos Aires may visit ”Galerías Pacífico” both as a cultural spot to admire its architecture or at the same time as a place for shopping.

A bit of history

The building, designed by the engineer Emilio Agrelo and the architect Roland Le Vacher Parmesan, was projected in 1888 as a venue for the shop Au Bon Marche, one of the most important shopping centers in the Argentine capital at the moment. It was inspired by the great European galleries. Six years later, it was inaugurated although the work was fully completed in the early years of the 20th century.

In 1989, the building was declared a National Historic landmark. The central dome murals were designed in 1945 by the architects Jorge Aslan and Héctor Ezcurra. After the reformation, the current shopping centre was re opened in 1992. Today the building presents the Beaux-Arts architectural style and it has several works of art in its murals, composing a beautiful mix between antique and modern style.

Art

Tourists observe its imposing facade from far away. But that’s just a sample of all the beauty that the construction has and which is so admired by visitors. The building has vaults of glass and a spacious and elegant central dome. The dome has murals of Antonio Berni, Lino Spilimbergo, Juan Carlos Castagnino, Demetrio Urruchúa and Manuel Colmeiro Guimarães, being the last one, the only Argentine artist. The interior is also full of murals and columns that represent a large number of situations, allegories and universal messages.

Dont get surprised if you see people looking toward the ceiling and admiring the paintings.

Shopping

The shopping mall has an area of 11,000 m2 and more than 150 shops and stands of leading brands, in addition to a food court with more than 18 different gastronomic proposals.

The leading brands that can be found here are: Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Timberland, Nike, Adidas, Brooskfield, Chanel, Mac Pro, Freddo, Havana, Hugo Boss, Levis, Lancome, Cacharel, among others.

Benefits for tourists

Altough it is true that this shopping is not for cheap shopping (we will discuss then about Oulets and “Los Arcos district” in Palermo, for example) from the “Galerías Pacífico” Website they inform that there are certain benefits for travellers. These are:

• Tax Free: Presenting the passport and the ticket of $70 or more you will save up to 16% on withdrawals out of the country. Important: Only for shops members, applicable to products of national origin.
• Guided tours: In 20 minutes you will visit the building with audio guides that tell the story of the place, murals and its artists. You must request the headphones in the office of the ground floor. Available languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese and French.
• Discounts on shops with Rewards Card: It is an exclusive service for foreign tourists. The brochure with the local members can be aquired at the office located in Level Source.
• If you are a member of the program of benefits of “Galerías Pacífico” and also an Argentine resident, booking 2 nights or more in Esplendor Buenos Aires Hotel you get 30% OFF. Valid only for telephone bookings, via e-mail or website. Late Check Out until 2 pm free of charge. It includes buffet breakfast and free wifi. Valid until 31/12/2016.

Useful Information

Location

• Although “Galerías Pacífico” occupy exactly one whole block its main entrance is located on the corner of Florida Street with Córdoba Avenue.

Opening hours

• From Monday to Saturday from 10 hs until 21 hrs and Sundays from 12 hs to 21 hs.

How to get there

On foot

• Walk down through Florida Street to the corner of Córdoba Avenue.

By bus

• Bus lines that pass through “Galerías Pacifico” are: 6, 22, 23, 26, 28, 33, 45, 50, 56, 61, 62, 74, 91, 93, 99, 109, 115, 126, 130, 140, 143, 152, 195. To move by bus in Buenos Aires you need to have the SUBE Card. Click here to find out where to get it.

By subway

• Take line C (blue) and get off at the Station General San Martín or Lavalle or take line B (red) and get off into Florida Station.