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Places of interest #6 in Buenos Aires

Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento

4.6 · 80,578 reviews
Grand, intellectual, and artistically vibrant.
Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento, Sarmiento 151, C1041 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Interesting facts
1

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

2

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

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

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

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.

Photo spot

The central atrium looking up at the 'Blue Whale' structure and the historic staircase in the main foyer.

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.

What to avoid

Do not expect to walk in without checking the website, as some exhibitions and performances have limited capacity or require pre-booking.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Etiquette

Business casual is recommended; keep noise levels low in gallery spaces.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on weekdays to avoid large weekend crowds and to see the building lighting up at night.
Address
Palacio Libertad, Domingo F. Sarmiento, Sarmiento 151, C1041 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
-34.604, -58.370
Get directions
Details
Key attractionsBallena Azul concert hall, Grand Chandelier, contemporary art galleries
Architectural styleBeaux-Arts and modern contemporary

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on weekdays to avoid large weekend crowds and to see the building lighting up at night..

The central atrium looking up at the 'Blue Whale' structure and the historic staircase in the main foyer.

Close by you'll find Plaza de Mayo, Obelisk, Puente de la Mujer.