Palais de Glace

Gazing up at this grand Palais de Glace, one might imagine graceful waltzes instead of whirling ice skaters. The Palais de Glace wasn’t always a showcase for Argentina’s finest art. Built in 1910, this Belle Époque masterpiece in Recoleta, Buenos Aires, was originally designed as an ice skating rink. Architect J. L. Ruiz Basadre modeled it after the Palais des Glaces in Paris. Imagine the scene: a circular ice rink bathed in the light of a magnificent domed roof and skylight. Around the rink, theatre-style boxes filled with Buenos Aires’ elite. A cafe and balcony on the first floor offered a different perspective on the icy spectacle below. As the popularity of ice skating waned, the tango’s allure grew. The Palais de Glace transformed into a tango haven, its elegant rooms echoing with the passionate rhythms of this then-controversial dance. By 1931, the Palais de Glace had yet another transformation. The Ministry of Education and Justice took over. The building became the home of the National Office of Fine Arts and the prestigious Salón Nacional de Bellas Artes. Architect Alejandro Bustillo carefully remodeled the interior, creating exhibition spaces while preserving the building’s original grandeur. Three large murals were added to the interior walls in 1934. The exterior saw a significant redesign in 1935. Today, the Palais de Glace stands as a testament to Argentina’s artistic spirit. It continues to host the Salón Nacional and a variety of other art exhibitions and musical events. In 2004, it earned the well-deserved title of National Historic Monument. The Palais de Glace is more than just a building. It is a reflection of changing times, evolving tastes, and Argentina’s enduring passion for art and culture.