The Biblioteca Nacional, at Avenida General Las Heras 2555 in Recoleta, is Argentina’s national library and archive. Its stark Brutalist building was designed by Clorindo Testa, Francisco Bullrich and Alicia Cazzaniga. Free guided tours take you through the library’s history and collection, including stacks holding more than two million books. On the fifth floor, large windows look out across the city. There is also a cafe in the garden and a cafeteria on the third floor, with balcony views.
The building and its setting
Clorindo Testa, Francisco Bullrich and Alicia Cazzaniga designed the library’s Brutalist building. It occupies the site of the demolished palace of Juan and Eva Perón. Construction took place during the military dictatorship of 1970 to 1971, under General Roberto Marcelo Levingston. The building’s history is tied to that period as well as to Argentina’s national collection.
Inside the library
The library holds Argentina’s national archives and book collection. Its stacks contain more than two million books, though access to particular areas can be restricted. Ask the guards about the area you want to visit when you enter.
The fifth-floor reading area has large tables and panoramic windows over the city. For a break, there is a cafe in the garden downstairs and a cafeteria on the third floor, where the balcony looks out over the city.
Perguntas frequentes
Are guided tours of the Biblioteca Nacional free?
Yes. The tours are free. They run Monday to Friday at noon and on Saturdays at 2 pm and 4 pm.
Can you visit the book stacks?
Access to specific areas may be restricted. Ask the guards about the stacks when you arrive.
Is the Biblioteca Nacional wheelchair accessible?
The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and wheelchair-accessible parking is listed.
