If you love architecture then you have to visit this building in Buenos Aires: Centro Naval. It is the Naval Officers’ club. I have walked past this building so many times but never took the time to sit and analyze it (not than I have any architectural blood in my veins!). This building is really unique and beautiful.
It is a pity that it is situated on the corner of one of the bussiest streets in Buenos Aires: Florida and Córdoba just accross from the famous Galerias Pacificos shopping center.
People rush past this building day in and day out and I wonder how many stop to admire it. A little history about the building.
It was founded in 1882 not only as a social club but also for the advancement of naval sciences. Membership is not exclusive to Naval officers. You also find academics, civilians and other fortunates.
Reading up about the building I was quite surprised to find that it houses a bar, restaurant, cafe, library,gym, sauna, barbershop, medical doctor, tailor and halls and rooms for events. But the most interesting was that there is a firing range in the basement!
Other interesting activities include:
* Chess is played in the Reading Hall from 10:00 to 1:00 on weekdays;
* Bridge is played in the seventh floor hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 until 8 o’clock in the evening.
* Fencing is one of the most popular activities available onsite.
* Concerts take place on the first Tuesday of every month from April to December.
One of the largest rooms are named after Almirante Guillermo Brown, the Father of the Argentine Navy.
The building has been very well maintained and looked after. I have never seen the doors open but I would love to peek inside. Who knows maybe you are lucky!
Hi, I am so glad to come across your post on this lovely building. I was in BsAs last December for 3 weeks and goes to Galerías Pacífico almost everyday for tango classes. I have always wondered what this building is for and its history. I have taken pictures of it from GP side but never really took time to get a closer look. Now I know 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Sandie, I am so happy that my blog could answer your question about the building. It is a beautiful building but because of the location people tend to walk right past it! I hope you had a great time in Bs As.