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Galerías Pacífico

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billmoy
billmoy
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Galerías Pacífico

  • February 2, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
Galerías Pacífico

As of lately, I have found myself in need to justify recurring visits to stylish shopping malls. I would like to state I’m not becoming spoiled; simply some shopping malls are more than their names imply. Their structures have some special value; they are somehow connected to the history and culture of the place. And I just had a cup of coffee in them.

Isn’t it wonderful to have such a good excuse for visiting those decadent, materialistic shrines? In any case, as a disguise, before entering them I put a button on my backpack stating that: "My Editor Sent Me." I never elaborate. Let them prove otherwise.

Galerías Pacífico is in San Nicolás, one of the neighborhoods in the heart of Buenos Aires, next to the Florida walking street. This magnificent structure was inaugurated in 1895 and is still – with no doubts – the most attractive and stylish shopping center in town. Originally, it was constructed by Au Bon Marché Argentina, but the chain couldn’t afford the place and moved to other locations. Soon, in 1896 the National Museum of Art was located there; then in 1908 the "Ferrocarril Buenos Aires al Pacífico" (Buenos Aires to the Pacific Railway) bought the place and the building began being called "Pacifico."

In 1945 the building – occupying a whole block in one of the most exclusive areas of downtown Buenos Aires – was re-modeled. The most impressive change was the addition of a 450 square meters dome that was covered with twelve panels of paintings by prestigious artists: Spilimbergo (painted the "Domain of Natural Forces"), Berni ("Love"), Castagnino ("Domestic Life"), Colmeiro ("The Human Couple") y Urruchúa ("Fraternity"). Even now these are considered to be the most important mural paintings in the city. As well, the commercial areas and the offices were then separated. Afterwards, the murals were restored twice, in 1971 and 1978; the last time was done under Berni’s direction.

After several economic crises and military dictatorships, the galleries were abandoned until they were declared a National Historic Monument in 1989. One year later they were re-opened as a shopping mall in 1990, when four additional murals by Macció, Robirosa, Roux and Alonso were added on the first floor. The Jorge Luis Borges Cultural Center and a dancing school also operate there.

The central dome and the eight-points glass star at its top are an awesome sight, seldom do shopping malls get such beauty treatments; the experience should be enjoyed and appreciated. The sumptuous interior is fit more of a palace than a shopping mall.

Shops

Despite the sumptuous surroundings, the merchandise is accommodated to the shaky economic situation of Argentina. The only international watches shop available here is Swatch. The two medium sized bookstores do not keep an English selection of books or magazines.

However, Argentinean vanity demands fashion shops and here we can find Lacoste, Yves Saint Laurent, Boss, La Toscana, Christian Dior and others. Among other similar shops, Tiffany and Swarovsky sell jewelry; Perugia and Navarro sell shoes and cacharel women’s clothes. An extensive listing would not fit the format of such an entry thus I’ll avoid it.

Coffee shops and restaurant abound. Yet, of special interest is the food plaza in the underground. Located under the central dome, it offers excellent views of the structure. The murals can almost be appreciated from the tables. Moreover, I have not seen a better concentration of typical Argentinean food, which can be tasted here in small portions, a dish at each stall.

Timing the Visit

The shopping mall is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM to 9 PM.

Benefits for Travelers

By presenting the passport and a receipt for 70 ARP or more, there is a refund of 16% while leaving the country. The main information desk can provide more information, and most of the shops know the drill.

Twice daily are free guided visits in which the story of the building is told and the murals are explained. From Monday to Saturday the tours take place at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM and on Sunday at 1 PM and 4:30 PM at the Central Dome.

Discount coupons are available for tourists at the main information desk of the ground floor or at the Tourist Information Center at the first floor. If planning a lengthy stay in town – or plenty of extensive shopping sessions - then a rewards card is available at the main information desk after showing a receipt for 50 ARP.

From journal More Buenos Aires

Galerias Pacifico

  • May 6, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by panda1 from ., California
Galerias Pacifico is a smart, tastefully designed shopping mall including a food court within a wonderfully European design architecture building from the 19th century. There is free tango show on Friday and Sunday at 8pm, give some money for their efforts.

There's a free 15 minute audio tour available with an acceptable ID like your passport or live tours at the Tourist Information Center, 1st floor - Florida Section, open daily from 10am to 9pm, telephone +54 (11) 5555-5399, email: turismo@galeriaspacifico.com.ar, covering the background of the mural paintings inside its dome.

Information Desk, main floor – Florida Section, Sunday-Thursday 10am to 9pm, Friday-Saturday 10am to 11pm, Telephone +54 (11) 5555-5118/10, email: informes@galeriaspacifico.com.ar

Shopping hours Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 12am to 9pm, email: gpacifico@galeriaspacifico.com.ar

From journal EZE

Galerias Pacifico

  • October 20, 2003
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Andrea H. from Parsippany, New Jersey
This is a huge mall that is located in the city. There are clothing stores and stores that you would find in U.S. malls. This mall does have a food court, which serves some Argentinian food. There is a cinema center there and sometimes the movies are in English.

From journal Month in Buenos Aires

Editor Pick

Galerias Pacifico

  • March 11, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by billmoy from Chicago, Illinois
Galerias Pacifico, bursting with nearly 200 shops, is a posh emporium located along one of the pedestrian shopping streets in central Buenos Aires. The large complex, with three levels, occupies an entire city block.

The original building was modeled after the fashionably famous Gallerie Vittorio Emanuele shopping complex in Milan. The building actually served as the headquarters for a railway, and was converted into a stylish shopping center in 1992. Its interior central dome has skylights and is decorated with some colorful fresco murals created by several notable Argentine artists in the "New Realism" style. Alas, most people are too busy to admire the artwork as they concentrate on their shopping.

Once you step outside, you can usually enjoy a bit of street entertainment along the pedestrians-only Calle Florida. Large crowds gather to watch local street musicians, spray can artists, and tango dancers of variable talents.

From journal Bill in Argentina - BUENOS AIRES

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