El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Top choice in Recoleta & Barrio Norte


This glorious bookstore in a converted theater continues to flourish in the age of the Kindle. The Grand Splendid theater opened in 1919 and was converted into a bookstore in 2000. Most of the seating was replaced with bookshelves, but the original features have been preserved, including the beautiful painted cupola and balconies.

Browse through potential purchases in one of the theater boxes or have a cup of coffee at the on-stage cafe.