Background

La Casa de la Cultura: A Glimpse into Buenos Aires' Golden Age

Explore Buenos Aires' architectural heritage at the Casa de la Cultura, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece and former home of La Prensa newspaper.

4.6

La Casa de la Cultura, formerly the headquarters of the La Prensa newspaper, stands as a monument to Buenos Aires' Belle Époque. Completed in 1898, its Parisian Beaux-Arts design and rich history offer visitors a captivating journey into the city's cultural and architectural heritage.

A brief summary to La Casa de la Cultura o Edificio La Prensa

  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 4 pm-8 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and architectural details of the building. Call +54 011 4323-9669 for more information.
  • Visit the Salón Dorado, a replica of a hall in the Palace of Versailles, to experience the building's opulent interiors.
  • Check the Casa de la Cultura's event calendar for exhibitions, performances, and cultural activities.
  • Explore the surrounding Monserrat neighborhood, known for its historic buildings and proximity to Plaza de Mayo.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza de Mayo, walk west along Avenida de Mayo for approximately 500 meters. La Casa de la Cultura will be on your right-hand side. The walk is direct and should take about 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near La Casa de la Cultura, including 24, 29, 64, 86 and others. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option from your starting point. Alternatively, take Subte Line A to the 'Peru' station, which is a short walk from the building. A single bus or Subte fare costs approximately AR$757 for registered SUBE users. Purchase and charge a SUBE card at any Subte station.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Buenos Aires. A short taxi ride from the city center to La Casa de la Cultura will cost approximately ARS 5,500 - ARS 11,000, depending on traffic and distance. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.

Unlock the Best of La Casa de la Cultura o Edificio La Prensa

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about La Casa de la Cultura o Edificio La Prensa

La Casa de la Cultura, or the House of Culture, located on Avenida de Mayo 575, is a stunning example of Buenos Aires' late 19th-century architectural grandeur. Originally built as the headquarters for the La Prensa newspaper, it was designed in the style of the Paris School of Fine Arts by local architects Carlos Agote and Alberto Gainza, who were graduates of École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures in Paris. The building's construction involved prestigious firms from France, the United States, and Switzerland, showcasing the global influences of the era. The facade, designed in Paris, features a gilded bronze statue of Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, holding an electric lamp symbolizing freedom of the press. This statue, created by French sculptor Maurice Bouval, stands 50 meters above the ground. Inside, the Casa de la Cultura boasts opulent interiors, including the Salón Dorado (Golden Hall), a replica of a hall in the Palace of Versailles. This hall, adorned with gilded carvings, mirrors, and tapestries imported from France, served as a venue for conferences and events. The building also housed a library with over 80,000 volumes, medical and dental offices, a legal studio, a music school, and a guest department that hosted illustrious figures like Giacomo Puccini. La Prensa was the first newspaper to consider the public in its building design, incorporating a chalkboard with updated news visible from the sidewalk. The building also featured advanced technology for its time, including pneumatic tubes for internal communication and elevators. Today, the Casa de la Cultura hosts a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, performances, conferences, and congresses. Visitors can explore its historic halls and admire the architecture, offering a glimpse into Buenos Aires' rich cultural past.

Popular Experiences near La Casa de la Cultura o Edificio La Prensa

Popular Hotels near La Casa de la Cultura o Edificio La Prensa

Select Currency