Constructing Life: Teatro Colón

Two times we’ve been to Argentina and have been unable to visit one of it’s greatest architectural treasures, Teatro Colón. In the past two visits to Argentina, Teatro Colón has been undergoing extensive restoration. It was completed in 1908 taking roughly 20 years to complete. It saw the vision of three architects (two of which died during the process) and was spared no expense in its construction. This was at a time when Argentina was among the richest countries in the world and it needed to show off to Europe and America. Its new world position was always being blended with old world tradition. It was the goal of the wealthy Argentines to build a city that rivaled the best in Europe - the “Paris of South America” was the stated goal. To build Teatro Colón, marbles were imported from Italy, the tradesmen and architects were from Europe and it was built in a blend of European styles (primarily due to the three different architects, all from different backgrounds). They say it is among the top 5 in the world acoustically, corroborated by such artists as Pavarotti. It is beautiful but recently took 5 years to restore, and as such, we hadn’t been able to see it in either of our last two visits. The restoration was complete in 2010. Unfortunately, it is summer here (though this is why we came here!) and the performance season hasn’t yet started and we won’t be able to see a production – unfortunate – it would have been cool!

Teatro Colón, what a great looking place huh?

Outside on the SW corner.

In side in the reception area.

Even the stairs were gorgeous.

This room was designed in a frech style.

Each of the private entrances to the balcony boxes.

We continued our day by walking towards the San Telmo district, an area we were quite familiar with and had, in fact, purchased our dining room chandelier 5 years prior – though it did take us 3 years before finishing the renovations to the main floor and installing it (hmm… akin to the multi-year restoration of Teatro Colón?). San Telmo is an interesting area where there has been a slow, steady change to the upscale. It is full of classic buildings of a European looking architecture but became old and run down until it was revived in the last 20 years as the hub for antique shopping. It has some phenomenal antique stores carrying items we wish we could afford and bring home easily - and there is quite a hip, young hangout area near to the shops – this is an area revival. We didn’t really buy anything in San Telmo but we will return at the end of our trip and see if anything catches our eye.

The central monument at Plaza de Mayo. This in front of the president’s palace.

The president’s palace in the background.

We got an orange juice from this lady. For some reason, the oranges just aren’t as good this time. Perhaps Chile isn’t making good oranges anymore!

Sitting and enjoying an orange juice.

I was allowed to take some photos inside the coolest antique store I know.

Hot days require beer. The only other real option is pop……I don’t think so.

Chilled beer. I had about 5 of these today!!!

Some lady. I just liked the contrast.

I’m amazed in this area they haven’t paved over the stones like in so many other places.

We finished the day in Puerto Madero, the true center of revival in Buenos Aires. It has gone from abandoned shipping yards to extraordinary waterside development in just 10 years. The new condo buildings and beautiful renovated warehouses, now stores and restaurants, make it an area to spend a day strolling and just enjoying wonderful weather and people. The wide sidewalks along the large boat locks are used by pedestrians, runners, and roller-bladers. It’s a bit busy for roller blading but I guess that’s the only place they can really go. It was a beautiful end to the day, we saw the restaurant we had enjoyed an incredible meal at 5 years prior with our wonderful friends Noel, Sonia, Denise and Dean.