The Monumental Tower of Buenos Aires, our local “Big Ben,” turns 110 on May 24, 2026, and to celebrate this milestone—as well as during the long weekend in May—it will be filled with live music, historical reenactments, guided tours of its observation deck, and, as if that weren’t enough, classic car exhibitions.
A historic icon of Buenos Aires turns 110 and celebrates on May 24
The Monumental Tower is located in Retiro, right next to the Retiro train station, and is one of the city’s most iconic historic buildings.
It was inaugurated in 1916 as the “Torre de los Ingleses” because it was agift from the British community to commemorate the centennial of the May Revolution, and over time, it became one of the great symbols of Buenos Aires. In fact, it resembles its namesake in London, which is why many like to think of it as Buenos Aires’ “Big Ben.”
Live music, tango, and 1920s-style jazz for a patriotic weekend
The Monumental Tower will host free shows on May 24 to celebrate its 110th anniversary and will open its doors so you can visit and explore every corner of the building, right up to its observation deck.
Among the shows and events for its 110th anniversary, you’ll be able to enjoy tango performed by the duo of Vanina Tagini and Gabriel Merlino, as well as jazz music with Barber Jazz, specializing in Dixieland and traditional jazz, and immerse yourself in a special tribute featuring songs by Luis Alberto Spinetta performed by Coral Centellando
Featured Events
- 2:00 p.m.: Barber Jazz
- 2:40 p.m.: Tagini–Merlino Duo
- 3:15 p.m.: Centellando Choir (tribute to Spinetta)
- 2:00–5:00 p.m.: Ford Model A exhibition and historical reenactments
- 2:00–4:00 p.m.: Open class on filete porteño
Classic cars and historical reenactments in front of Retiro
The Club Amigos del Ford A is also joining the free activities on May 24 in Buenos Aires with a gathering of historic vehicles to recreate the style of cars from 100 years ago. And to further recreate that historic moment, the Sociedad Victoriana Augusta Argentina will showcase costumes and scenes inspired by the early 20th century.
And as if that weren’t enough, you can also participate in an open class on filete porteño to learn the traditional techniques and styles of this art form so typical of Buenos Aires.
Free visits to the observation deck and the clock of the Monumental Tower
Throughout May 24, there will be free guided tours to explore the interior of the Monumental Tower, learn how its clock works , and go up to the panoramic observation deck.
To participate in the guided tours of the observation deck and the clock of the Monumental Tower that day, you must reserve your spot. There are different time slots, and you must sign up individually for the one you want starting Thursday, May 21:
📅Guided Tour of the observation deck. 1:00 p.m. Sign up here.
📅Guided Tour of the clock. 2:00 p.m. Sign up here
📅Guided Tour of the Lookout. 3:00 p.m. Sign up here
📅Guided Tour of the Observation Deck. 4:00 p.m. Sign up here
📍 Torre Monumental
🗓 Sunday, May 24
⏰ From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
🎟 Free admission