Buenos Aires, Argentina - This 100 year old movie theatre was transformed into a breathtaking bookstore

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on October 3, 2016 at 6:03 am

From AOL.com: Whether you’re an avid bookworm, moderate reader or anywhere in between, there’s no doubt that glancing at this display of books will absolutely take your breath away.

The setup at El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina makes you want to simultaneously run through the aisles singing yet stand back in awe.

The building was originally built as a Argentinian tango theatre nearly 100 years ago.

Six years ago, it was converted into perhaps the grandest and most ornate bookstore in the world. Annually, the 21,000-square-foot bookstore brings in an estimated one million tourists and sells over 700,000 books.

Books can be found in all languages, but since it is located in Argentina after all, the majority of selections are in Spanish.

Most of the building’s charm comes from the preservation of the painted ceilings, theatre boxes and balconies, and of course, the characteristic red stage curtains.

The stage area itself has been transformed into a café with seating for guests to marvel at the sights — or you know, read a book.

Story, with extensive photo gallery and video: http://www.aol.com/article/finance/2016/09/30/this-100-year-old-movie-theatre-was-transformed-into-a-breathtak/21484177/

ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org