It looks like a palace of the Parisian aristocracy transplanted to Buenos Aires, but in reality it is one of the most important, oldest, and prestigious public schools in Argentina. This architectural monument, which many overlook in the Historic District of Buenos Aires, has a library with over 130,000 books, ancient tunnels , and best of all, you can tour it on guided tours.
An architectural gem by Norbert Maillart in the heart of Buenos Aires’ Historic District
Construction of this palace began in 1916, and it was fully inaugurated in 1938. It is currently a National Historic Monumentand is visited by hundreds of people every day because it is the Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires, part of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA).
Its design and construction are the work of French architect Norbert Maillart, the same architect who designed the Palacio de Correos (the Palacio Libertad building) and the Palacio de Justicia de la Nación (the Palace of Justice).
The treasures of the National Library of Buenos Aires: from Albert Einstein to Raúl Soldi
This Parisian palace houses many treasures of all kinds. Presidents, scientists, writers, and even two Nobel laureates have walked through its halls . But its riches go far beyond that. On guided tours, you’ll discover its Aula Magna, the hall that was the exact setting for the lecture Albert Einstein gave in Buenos Aires in 1925, and its library, with over 130,000 books—one of the school’s best-kept secrets. On its shelves, you’ll find a compact edition of Shakespeare’s complete works with gold-threaded binding and an illustrated version of the classic book *Juvenilia* signed by Raúl Soldi.
Tunnels, telescopes, and pools: the hidden secrets of this French academic palace
Located in the Manzana de las Luces, the Nacional Buenos Aires is connected to the network of secret 18th-century tunnels built by the Jesuits. In fact, in the 1920s, while excavating to lay the foundations of the current building, several of these underground passages connecting to the Church of San Ignacio de Loyola were rediscovered.
It also has its own astronomical observatory with a telescope on the terrace, a shooting range, and a heated indoor pool.
Hours, prices, and how to book a guided tour
On guided tours of the Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires, you’ll explore the courtyards, the main galleries, the Aula Magna, and the historic library, discovering architectural details and secret corners that few know about—making these tours of this French-style palace in Buenos Aires a journey into the past.
💻 Reservations: Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available exclusively through the CNBA’s official website.
📍 Address: Bolívar 263, Monserrat (Historic District).
🕢 Days and times: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.
💰 Admission price: $8,000 pesos.
👧 Family promotion: One child enters free of charge for every accompanying adult.
🪪 Mandatory requirement: You must present your ID card or passport to enter the building.