Galerías Pacífico

Beneath the magnificent dome of Galerías Pacífico, a shopping haven thrives. But this building whispers stories far beyond retail therapy. Galerías Pacífico stands as a testament to ever-shifting dreams. Initially envisioned in 1889 as Argentina’s answer to the Parisian Bon Marché, it was designed by architects Emilio Agrelo and Roland Le Vacher. Inspired by Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, their creation was intended as a luxurious covered passage filled with shops. However, the economic crises of 1890 and 1908 derailed this vision. The grand shops never opened, and the building was sold off piece by piece. Galerías Pacífico took a detour into the world of art. In 1896, it housed the National Museum of Fine Arts. Later, in 1908, the Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway company acquired a portion for its offices. This gave the building its current name, “Edificio Pacífico,” referencing the railway’s aspiration to connect Buenos Aires with Valparaíso, Chile, and thus, the Pacific Ocean. The 1940s brought another transformation to Galerías Pacífico. Architects Jorge Aslan and Héctor Ezcurra redesigned the space. They separated the commercial area from the offices and added roofing to create the familiar passageways we see today. The crowning glory of Galerías Pacífico, the central dome, received a breathtaking artistic makeover. Famous Argentine artists like Antonio Berni, Lino Spilimbergo, Juan Carlos Castagnino, Demetrio Urruchúa, and Manuel Colmeiro Guimarães adorned the dome’s interior with stunning murals between 1945 and 1947. These murals stand as a powerful representation of Argentine muralism. After a period of neglect, Galerías Pacífico was recognized for its historical and artistic significance. It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1989. Just a year later, a private group was granted permission to revive the original dream and create a shopping center within these historic walls. Galerías Pacífico reopened in 1990, reborn as a vibrant commercial hub, but with its rich history and artistic soul intact. Even today, echoes of the past resonate within this bustling space. Four more murals, by artists Rómulo Macció, Josefina Robirosa, Guillermo Roux, and Carlos Alonso, were added during the renovation, enhancing the artistic legacy of Galerías Pacífico. The Centro Cultural Borges, a center for artistic exhibitions and cultural programs, is also housed within the building. As you stroll through Galerías Pacífico today, remember the journey of this remarkable building. It’s a testament to resilience, a fusion of commerce and art, a place where the whispers of history blend with the vibrant energy of modern Buenos Aires.