Edificio Kavanagh, Buenos Aires - a tall building with trees in front of it
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Edificio Kavanagh Buenos Aires

4.6
·751 reviews·Buenos Aires, Argentina

An iconic 1936 modernist skyscraper, the Edificio Kavanagh boasts a unique ship-like design and was once the tallest in Latin America.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdLow
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Edificio Kavanagh, Buenos Aires - a tall building with trees in front of it

Edificio Kavanagh Buenos Aires

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic 1936 modernist skyscraper, the Edificio Kavanagh boasts a unique ship-like design and was once the tallest in Latin America.

4.6
(751 reviews)

"A majestic structure that stands prominently among the green, with Roman touch and French grandeur."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Spots

Plaza San Martín offers the most unobstructed views for capturing the Kavanagh's grandeur.

🚫 Interior Access Limited

Remember, it's a private residence. Enjoy the exterior and the surrounding park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Bow-Shaped Facade

The Iconic Bow-Shaped Facade

Exterior view from Plaza San Martín

Resembling a ship's prow, this rationalist masterpiece dominates the skyline. A true architectural marvel.

Panoramic City Vistas

Panoramic City Vistas

From higher floors (limited access)

Experience breathtaking views of Buenos Aires, especially at sunset, from the upper levels of this historic skyscraper.

TikTok
Art Deco & Rationalist Architecture

Art Deco & Rationalist Architecture

Exterior and surrounding area

Admire the blend of Art Deco and Rationalist styles, a testament to 1930s architectural innovation.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

While the Edificio Kavanagh is a residential building, its iconic silhouette is best appreciated during daylight hours. Consider visiting in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views over the Río de la Plata, as captured in many social media posts. TikTok

Understanding Access and Views

The Kavanagh Building is primarily a private residence, so interior access is limited. However, its striking exterior and its prominent location offer excellent photo opportunities from the surrounding Plaza San Martín. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

vivir en el tambor de una cúpula #buenosaires #baalpaso
@buenosaires.alpaso
776.5K likes • 7.1M views

📸 Best Photo Spots

Plaza San Martín offers the most unobstructed views for capturing the Kavanagh's grandeur. Reddit

🚫 Interior Access Limited

Remember, it's a private residence. Enjoy the exterior and the surrounding park. Reddit

atardece en buenos aires, desde el piso 25 del kavanagh🤍 (ampliaremos) #buenosaires #baalpaso
@buenosaires.alpaso
200.6K likes • 1.3M views
cenital. 1) kavanagh. 2) paseo del bajo desde quartier. 3) av. dorrego desde la torre dorrego. 4) le parc alcorta. 5) calle paraguay desde bellini esmeralda. 6) carlos calvo y la rioja desde altos porteños. 7) calle matienzo desde L4444. 8) conjunto rioja. 9) churrero desde conjunto soldati. 10) corrientes 6534. 11) calle montiel. 12) pulmón desde la torre don lorenzo. 13) pulmón des...
buenosaires.alpaso
2.5K likes • 0 views

🚢 Ship-like Design

Notice how the building's shape mimics a ship's bow, facing the Río de la Plata. TikTok

💡 Architectural Gem

Appreciate its status as a landmark of modernist architecture in Buenos Aires. TikTok

La semana pasada visité la muestra que se expone en Cora Subsuelo, la galería del nuevo Cora Café en las entrañas del Kavanagh. Allí exhiben Ezequiel Díaz Ortiz, con fotografías del Kavannagh desde afuera, y Emma Livingston, que lo retrata desde adentro, dos miradas complementarias en esta muestra curada por Belén García Pinto. El Kavanagh, inaugurado en 1936, fue un verdadero símbolo de modern...
luciavazquezger
143 likes • 5.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Spots

Plaza San Martín offers the most unobstructed views for capturing the Kavanagh's grandeur. Reddit

🚫 Interior Access Limited

Remember, it's a private residence. Enjoy the exterior and the surrounding park. Reddit

🚢 Ship-like Design

Notice how the building's shape mimics a ship's bow, facing the Río de la Plata. TikTok

💡 Architectural Gem

Appreciate its status as a landmark of modernist architecture in Buenos Aires. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(751 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the Edificio Kavanagh's striking modernist architecture and its iconic bow-like shape, often described as a ship's prow. Its historical significance as a former skyscraper record-holder adds to its allure. While it's a private residence with limited interior access, its commanding presence from Plaza San Martín makes it a worthwhile sight for its architectural merit and photogenic qualities.

"Edificio Kavanagh is a residential skyscraper in Retiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Designed in 1934 by architects Gregorio Sánchez, Ernesto Lagos and Luis María de la Torre, it is considered a pinnacle of modernist architecture. At the time of its inauguration in 1936, the Kavanagh was the tallest building in Latin America surpassing the Palacio Salvo built in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1928, as well as the tallest building in the world with a reinforced concrete structure. The Kavanagh Building was declared a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1994 and a National Historic Monument of Argentina in 1999."

antonios varzakis

"Very impressive majestic structure that stands prominently among the green. It has the Roman touch and French grandeur."

John Yong

"Interesting area to see some architecture. Has both old and new buildings in the area. The Edificio Kavanagh is pretty interesting. It is not exactly what I was expecting. It is kind of hard to view it because of its location. The park across the street is probably the best view. It totally blocks the church which I believe was part of the intent of Kavanagh."

Kelly Cuff

What People Like

Impressive modernist architecture
Iconic bow-shaped facade
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Edificio Kavanagh is located in the Retiro neighborhood, easily accessible by public transport. You can take buses (colectivos) that stop near Plaza San Martín, or the Subte (subway) to the Retiro station and then walk a few blocks. Many visitors find walking from the Uruguay and Viamonte area safe and pleasant, with about 12 blocks to cover. Reddit

Yes, the area around the Edificio Kavanagh, particularly near Plaza San Martín, is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any large city, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially during early mornings or late evenings. Reddit

The best way to see the Kavanagh Building is from the outside, particularly from Plaza San Martín, which offers excellent vantage points for photography. Reddit

You can walk around the exterior of the Kavanagh Building and explore the adjacent Plaza San Martín. The building itself is a private residence, so interior access is restricted. Reddit

Several bus lines stop near Plaza San Martín, and the Retiro train and bus terminal is a short walk away. The nearest Subte (metro) stations are Retiro (Lines C, E, and H) and San Martín (Line C). Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required to view the Edificio Kavanagh from the outside. It is a residential building, and its exterior and the surrounding plaza are publicly accessible. Reddit

The Edificio Kavanagh is a private residential building, so general public access to the interior is not permitted. Reddit

The exterior of the Edificio Kavanagh and Plaza San Martín are accessible at all times, as they are public spaces. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for optimal viewing and photography. TikTok

There are no official public tours of the interior of the Kavanagh Building. However, architectural tours of Buenos Aires may include information about its history and significance. TikTok

There is no entrance fee for Plaza San Martín or for viewing the exterior of the Edificio Kavanagh. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best angles for photographing the Kavanagh Building are from Plaza San Martín, offering a clear view of its iconic bow shape and its prominence against the sky. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photographing the Kavanagh Building, highlighting its architectural details. Sunset views from higher floors are also spectacular. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in Buenos Aires. It's advisable to check local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone near the Kavanagh Building. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the building from Plaza San Martín. A telephoto lens can be helpful for details if you are further away. Instagram

No, you cannot take photos inside the Kavanagh Building as it is a private residence. Photography is limited to the exterior and public areas. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Architecture & History

The Edificio Kavanagh was built in 1936, making it a significant example of modernist architecture from that era. TikTok

The Kavanagh Building is a prime example of Rationalist architecture, with influences of Art Deco. Its design is often compared to a ship's bow. TikTok+1

Yes, upon its completion in 1936, the Edificio Kavanagh was the tallest building in Latin America and one of the tallest in the world with a reinforced concrete structure. TikTok

The Edificio Kavanagh was designed by Argentine architects Gregorio Sánchez, Ernesto Lagos, and Luis María de la Torre. TikTok

The Kavanagh Building is significant for its pioneering modernist design, its status as a former skyscraper record-holder, and its architectural impact on Buenos Aires. It was declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Buenos Aires can point out the impressive Kavanagh Building from Plaza San Martín. Its unique ship-like shape can spark children's imaginations, making it a fun visual landmark. While interior access is not possible, the adjacent Plaza San Martín offers open space for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors. It's a great spot for a brief stop to admire a piece of architectural history without requiring a long visit. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Edificio Kavanagh is a dream for photographers. The bow-shaped facade offers dramatic lines, especially when viewed from Plaza San Martín. Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon to capture the building bathed in warm light, creating stunning contrasts and highlighting its architectural details. TikTokInstagram Consider different focal lengths to capture both the overall structure and intricate design elements. Remember that it's a residential building, so focus your efforts on the exterior and its surroundings. Reddit

🏛️ Architecture Buffs

For architecture enthusiasts, the Edificio Kavanagh is a must-see. As a prime example of Rationalist architecture and a former record-holder for height in South America, it represents a significant moment in 20th-century building design. TikTok+1 Study its streamlined form and its integration with the urban environment. While you can't tour the interiors, understanding its historical context and design principles from the exterior is a rewarding experience. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance and Design

The Edificio Kavanagh, completed in 1936, stands as a monumental achievement in modernist architecture. Designed by architects Gregorio Sánchez, Ernesto Lagos, and Luis María de la Torre, it was a groundbreaking structure for its time. Its rationalist style is evident in its clean lines and functional design, while subtle Art Deco elements add a touch of glamour. The building's most distinctive feature is its bow-shaped facade, which cleverly mimics the prow of a ship, seemingly aiming towards the Río de la Plata. This unique design not only made it an architectural icon but also allowed for optimal views and natural light for its residents. TikTok+1

At its inauguration, the Kavanagh held the prestigious title of the tallest building in Latin America and was recognized globally for its innovative use of reinforced concrete. This engineering feat cemented its place in architectural history. The building's design also considered its urban context, strategically placed to offer views and create a striking presence in the cityscape. TikTok+1

Today, the Edificio Kavanagh continues to be admired for its enduring design and historical importance. It was declared a National Historic Monument of Argentina in 1999, a testament to its cultural and architectural value. While it remains a private residence, its exterior beauty and historical narrative draw architects, historians, and curious travelers alike. TikTok

Experiencing the Kavanagh: Views and Access

While the Edificio Kavanagh is a private residential building, experiencing its grandeur is still possible. The most common and recommended way to appreciate its iconic silhouette is from the surrounding public spaces, particularly Plaza San Martín. From this vantage point, you can fully grasp the building's impressive scale and its distinctive bow-shaped design. Many visitors find this perspective offers the best photographic opportunities, capturing the building against the backdrop of the city or the sky. Reddit

Social media content often showcases breathtaking views from the upper floors, especially during sunset. These glimpses highlight the panoramic vistas of Buenos Aires that residents enjoy. While direct interior access for the general public is not available, the exterior itself is a masterpiece worth exploring. The building's presence is a significant part of the Retiro neighborhood's architectural landscape. TikTok+1

For those interested in the building's history and architectural context, exploring the area around Plaza San Martín provides a richer experience. You can observe how the Kavanagh stands among other notable structures, contributing to the diverse architectural tapestry of Buenos Aires. TikTok

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