Buenos Aires hides many architectural gems that few know. One of them is the one hidden in Montserrat: the Old National Library. This incredible building can be visited for free. Do you want to know how to visit the Antigua Biblioteca Nacional? We tell you.
Free guided tours of the Old National Library
The building of the former National Library has an imposing neoclassical façade and majestic halls that no longer exist and very few buildings of that era are preserved in such perfect condition.
Before being located in the neighborhood of Palermo in a building created by architect Clorinda Testa, the National Library of Buenos Aires was located in the neighborhood of Monserrat. Its structure preserves the charm of another era, with details that transport you to times when books and knowledge were sheltered between marble columns and paintings.
If you have not seen any pictures of this spectacular building, it is a 1901 Beaux-Arts style building that served as the headquarters of the National Library between 1901 and 1992. It was originally designed for the National Lottery, so if you visit it, you will see that it preserves unique details such as bronze bowling pins in its marble staircase.
In addition, Jorge Luis Borges directed the library between 1955 and 1973. His office is still preserved and can be visited in the current Borges Library, the name under which the building reopened after its restoration. A curious fact is that its structure must have been reinforced by the weight of the books: it had 3,000,000 books and more than 500,000 copies of newspapers and magazines.
How to visit the Antigua Biblioteca Nacional for free
If you would like to tour the building of the former National Library and discover its secrets, you can sign up for free guided tours. You have to register in advance by email for one of the following options:
📅 Tuesday at 3:00 pm.
📅 Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
The email to sign up for guided tours is centro.jlborges@bn.gob.ar . You can also contact them here: www.bn.gob.ar and IG @biblioteca_nacional_argentina