Imagine a giant bandoneon. That’s the essence of the Tango Monument. It stands here in Buenos Aires as a tribute to tango.
This Tango Monument before you is not just steel and shape. It embodies the soul of a dance. A dance born in these very streets. The Tango Monument represents Argentina’s most emblematic musical genre. It captures the spirit of tango through the soul of the bandoneon. Its bellows coil and rise towards the infinite sky. This unveils a seductive game of shape, rhythm, harmony and movement.
Inaugurated on November 22, 2007 it marked Argentina’s Music Day. This day became a celebration of the art. The Tango Monument was conceived by artists Estela Trebino and Alejandro Coria. They captured the essence of tango in steel. The Tango Monument is a powerful symbol.
The Tango Monument is made of stainless steel. It stands about 3.5 meters tall. It weighs two tons. The structure resembles a bandoneon. The bandoneon is the instrument that represents tango.
The idea for the Tango Monument started with Rubén Reale. He is a journalist and tango specialist. He launched an appeal on his radio program. It was called “Tango Forever”. Representatives from 17 music and culture institutions answered the call. They formed the Pro Monument to Tango Committee. They organized fundraising concerts. Over 300 singers, musicians, and dancers participated without pay. The committee also received donations from companies and institutions.
A jury of nine members reviewed 71 projects. These projects were presented at an Urban Art Competition. The winners were Estela Trebino and Alejandro Coria.
Now, look closely at the Tango Monument. Feel the energy it radiates. Imagine the music. Imagine the dance. The Tango Monument captures the passion. It embodies the story of Buenos Aires. It is sealing the friendship between Buenos Aires and Tarbes. Tarbes is the second city in the world to have the Tango Monument.