El Ateneo: The Largest Bookstore in Latin America
In 1919 a young man named Max Glucksman decided to construct a theater that would be both grand and splendid. Originally a performance space it was converted to a cinema in the late 20’s and was the first place in the region to show movies with sound. For a time it was also home to Radio Splendid and a recording studio, Odeon Records, that recorded some of the early Tango greats.
Now housed in the perfectly restored building is the bookstore El Ateneo.
All the original features have been preserved. The stage is now a cafeteria and the theater boxes are now reading areas.
There are few greater pleasures for a book lover then the opportunity to be in a beautiful space surrounded by books.
Thanks to Kimbooktu for the lead