Palais de Glace: A Cultural Gem in Buenos Aires
Explore Argentine art in a historic Belle Époque palace, once an ice rink and tango hall, now a vibrant cultural center in Recoleta.
The Palais de Glace, or Ice Palace, is a stunning Belle Époque building located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Designed by J. L. Ruiz Basadre and modeled after the Palais des Glaces in Paris, it first opened in 1911 as an ice-skating rink and social club. The circular rink was the building's centerpiece, surrounded by theater-style boxes and rooms for gatherings. As ice skating's popularity waned and tango gained acceptance, the Palais de Glace transitioned into a dance hall in 1915, hosting renowned tango orchestras and dancers. However, by the late 1920s, the venue declined, leading to its takeover by the Ministry of Education and Justice in 1931. The architect Alejandro Bustillo remodeled the interior in 1931 to create exhibition spaces while preserving the original design. In 1934, three large murals were painted on the interior walls. The exterior was modernized in 1935. Since 1932, the Palais de Glace has been home to the Salón Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Exhibition of Fine Arts), with a brief interruption between 1954 and 1960 when it served as a television studio for Canal Siete. Today, the Palais de Glace continues to host the Salón Nacional and various other art exhibitions and musical events. In 2004, it was declared a National Historic Monument, cementing its cultural significance. The Palais de Glace's permanent collection comprises over 1,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, carvings, drawings, and photographs.
Local tips
- Check the Palais de Glace's official website for current exhibition schedules and events before your visit.
- Combine your visit with a walk through the Recoleta neighborhood, known for its architecture and cultural attractions.
- Visit nearby attractions such as the Recoleta Cemetery, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and Recoleta Cultural Center.
A brief summary to Palais de Glace
- Palais de Glace, Posadas 1725, Buenos Aires, Barrio Norte, Recoleta, Comuna 2, Buenos Aires, C1112, AR
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
The Palais de Glace is located in the Recoleta neighborhood, a short walk from many major attractions. From the Recoleta Cemetery, walk approximately 440 meters. From the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, it's about a 400-meter walk. From the Patio Bullrich shopping center, it's approximately 1.2km.
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Public Transport
Buenos Aires has an extensive public transport system. To use it, you'll need a SUBE card, which can be purchased at kiosks, subway stations, or authorized retailers. A SUBE card costs around ARS 1,000. You can pay for subway rides with your credit card. The nearest subway station is Pueyrredon. From there, you can take a bus. A bus ride costs around USD 0.50. The bus will drop you off near the Palais de Glace.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are readily available in Buenos Aires. A taxi ride from Plaza de Mayo to the Recoleta Cemetery, which is close to the Palais de Glace, costs around ARS 1933. A taxi from Recoleta to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) costs approximately ARS 33754 during the day and ARS 40504 at night. Be sure the driver turns on the meter. The starting fare is ARS 657, with an additional ARS 67.50 per 200 meters.
