Just a reminder - click on any photo and will magically grow for you!
The theatre was later converted into a cinema and eventually, in 2000,
it was converted into the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, which
currently welcomes over one million visitors each year.
The stunning building was originally designed by architects Peró and
Torres Armengol, then later converted from a cinema into a bookshop by
architect Fernando Manzone,
who retained many parts of the theatre, including the stage, the
balconies, the incredible architectural details and even the red
curtains.
In 2008 El Ateneo Grand Splendid was named the second most beautiful
bookshop in the world by The Guardian, and that’s no surprise
considering it’s elaborate décor and classic 1920’s theater feel.
According to a recent study by the World Cities Culture Forum, Buenos Aires has more bookshops per inhabitant than any other city in the world. With a population of around 2.8 million, Buenos Aires has at least 734
bookstores – roughly 25 bookshops for every 100,000 inhabitants.
Worldwide, only Hong Kong comes close, with 22 bookshops per 100,000,
followed by Madrid in a distant third with just 16 and compared to a
mere 10 bookshops for every 100,000 for London. Sadly, America isn't even on the list.
Thanks for visiting Enchanted Revelries today - it's good to be back in the writer's chair! And thanks to Shirley for introducing me to El Ateneo!
...now, go make something beautiful!
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)(¸.•´
(¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥
