theatre becomes bookstore, Buenos Aires, Argentina

This spectacular, one-of-a-kind bookstore was built within the old Grand Splendid Theater in Buenos Aires. Located in the neighborhood of Recoleta, the structure originally opened as a theatre in May 1919 with all kinds of performances gracing the stage, and then served as a cinema during the late 1920’s. In 2000, Grupo Ilhsa converted the space into the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, which now serves as the group’s flagship store with over one million visitors each year.

Much of the original interior remains intact, including the balconies, ceiling frescoes, sculptures, ornate carvings, and the thick burgundy stage curtains. Theatre boxes serve as cozy reading nooks and lifelong acting dreams can be surreptitiously fulfilled as you step onto what was once the main stage to visit the café.

It looks ideal to house our library of transport books... read the rest and see more pics