Resting here before us, the Floralis Genérica sculpture stands tall. It is a sight to behold. This giant metal flower has a fascinating story. It is more than just a pretty piece of art.
The Floralis Genérica was a gift to Buenos Aires. Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano created it. He wanted the flower to represent all flowers. He also saw it as a symbol of hope. Catalano said it is reborn every day at opening. The Floralis Genérica was inaugurated in 2002.
Look closely. You will see it is made of steel and aluminum. The flower has six large petals. These reach towards the sky. The entire structure weighs eighteen tons. It stands 23 meters high. That is about 75 feet.
Notice the reflecting pool beneath the Floralis Genérica. The pool serves two purposes. It adds to the sculpture’s beauty. It also protects it. Paths around the pool provide different views.
One of the most amazing things about the Floralis Genérica is its movement. An electrical system opens and closes the petals. In the morning, the flower opens. At night, it closes. This happens automatically depending on the time of day. The flower also closes when strong winds blow.
Originally, the Floralis Genérica opened at 8 am. It closed at sunset. The schedule changed with the seasons. When the petals were first installed, they did not close correctly. Technicians fixed the problem two months later.
The Floralis Genérica has four special nights. On May 25, September 21, December 24, and December 31, the petals remain open.
Unfortunately, the opening and closing mechanism stopped working in 2010. This was to prevent damage to the sculpture. One petal was installed incorrectly during assembly. The company that built it offered a 25-year warranty. However, the company was nationalized. Repairs were delayed. The mechanism was functional again by June 2015.
In late 2023, a strong storm damaged the Floralis Genérica. Parts of the sculpture fell including two main petals.
The name Floralis Genérica has meaning. Floralis means belonging to the flora. Genérica comes from the word gender. It represents all the flowers in the world.
The reflecting pool is large. It has a diameter of 44 meters. That is about 144 feet.
Take a moment to appreciate this unique sculpture. The Floralis Genérica is a symbol of beauty, hope, and resilience. It reflects the spirit of Buenos Aires.