Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The building was designed by architect Norbert Maillart and originally inaugurated in 1928 as the Palacio de Correos y Telecomunicaciones.

2. 2

   The Blue Whale concert hall is acoustically engineered by Frank Gehry's former consultant and can accommodate 1,700 spectators.

3. 3

   The Grand Chandelier, a large light installation, occupies the building's former mail sorting floor, which is the size of a city block.

4. 4

   The restoration process took over a decade to complete before the 2015 opening.

5. 5

   The building incorporates a 'Sky Room' with views of the city skyline and the Río de la Plata.

Overview

Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento, formerly known as Centro Cultural Kirchner, is the largest cultural center in Latin America. Housed in the former Central Post Office building, the structure reflects a blend of Beaux-Arts architecture and modern structural interventions. It features the 'Ballena Azul' (Blue Whale), a massive, suspended concert hall shaped like a whale within the central atrium. The center spans 100,000 square meters and includes multiple galleries, auditoriums, and exhibition halls. It serves as a hub for contemporary music, visual arts, and performance art exhibitions. The building's restoration preserved the original postal history while integrating high-tech performance spaces. It is located in the San Nicolás neighborhood, near the Puerto Madero waterfront.

Insider tips

• Check the official website for free ticket releases, as popular performances require prior digital registration.

• Arrive early to explore the architectural contrast between the historic facades and the modern 'Blue Whale' interior.

• Bring a camera, as the building's mix of neo-classical exteriors and contemporary glass interiors is highly photogenic.