There are few places in Buenos Aires where shopping and cultural sightseeing are literally the same activity, and Galerías Pacífico is one of them. It is a shopping mall designated as a National Historic Monument, featuring a central dome painted by some of the most important figures in Argentine art.

In this article, we tell you its history, what to find inside, and how to get there. Keep reading!

What are the Galerías Pacífico?

Galerías Pacífico functions today as both a shopping mall and a heritage building.

The shopping center reports an approximate area of ​​11,000 m² and more than 150 stores and kiosks, in addition to dining areas and various visitor services.

But the appeal goes well beyond shopping.

The building occupies a city block in downtown Buenos Aires and was originally conceived in the late 19th century, following the model of grand European shopping arcades. Its cross-shaped design causes the internal passageways to converge beneath the large central dome.

That is a point worth noting: the murals painted in the 1940s turn a visit to the shopping mall into a cultural stop.

Is it worth going in even if you aren't going to buy anything?

Yes. Touring the building, admiring the architecture, and pausing beneath the dome can easily be part of a walk through the city center without the need to buy anything.

The History of Galerías Pacífico

The building was designed in the late 1880s to house a Buenos Aires version of the Au Bon Marché department stores.

Official city sources date the construction to between 1888 and 1889 and attribute the project to architect Roland Le Vacher and engineer-architect Emilio Agrelo.

The original idea was ambitious: to create one of South America's great shopping centers, inspired by the European arcades of the time.

But the project never quite worked out the way it had been envisioned.

The economic and political crisis of 1890 halted its development, and the building began to be used in sections. Between 1896 and 1940, it housed the National Museum of Fine Arts, and in 1908, the Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway acquired part of the complex to set up its offices there. The name "Pacífico" originates from that railway company.

In 1945, a fundamental transformation took place.

Architects José Aslan and Héctor Ezcurra incorporated new vaults and a large concrete dome at the junction of the internal passageways.

Shortly thereafter, that surface became the site of one of the most important works of Argentine muralism.

After decades of changes and deterioration, the building was declared a National Historic Monument in 1989 and subsequently restored as a commercial and cultural center, reopening in its modern configuration in 1992.

What stores and products you'll find

Shops change—opening and closing—so putting together a guide based on specific brands doesn't make much sense; what is here today might be gone tomorrow. It is better to think of Galerías Pacífico in terms of categories, as that is what actually endures over time.

Clothing and footwear take up a significant portion of the shopping center, with Argentine and international brands situated side by side. There are also leather goods and accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, gifts, regional products, and various offerings designed specifically for tourists.

In terms of dining, the shopping center currently offers more than 18 options, according to official information from Galerías Pacífico (enough to stop for a meal over several days without ever leaving the building).

Also, if you are walking along Florida Street, Galerías serves as a useful point of comparison; you can check the prices of leather goods, clothing, or souvenirs against what the street-level shops offer. The practical advantage is having everything under one roof, without having to cross at traffic lights or lug bags from shop to shop.

For foreign tourists, the official website also features a "Tax-Free" section containing information and a list of participating stores. Keep in mind that the terms of the scheme can vary, so it is advisable to check the current information and inquire directly at the shop before making a purchase.

The dome frescoes: what to look for

This is the part that truly sets Galerías Pacífico apart from a conventional shopping mall.

In 1946, five artists associated with the Mural Art Workshop worked on the central dome: Antonio Berni, Lino Enea Spilimbergo, Juan Carlos Castagnino, Demetrio Urruchúa, and Manuel Colmeiro.

The decorated surface area covers approximately 450 m². The artists agreed to work on ideas related to universal human values, family, work, and the human relationship with nature, although each developed their own composition.

One of the most recognizable murals is the one by Antonio Berni, located in the section facing Viamonte. The work features an embracing couple, figures linked to the land, sunflowers, sugarcane, and a depiction of the sun, all within an allegory of germination and nature.

Spilimbergo, Castagnino, Urruchúa, and Colmeiro complete the ensemble with their own scenes and allegories.

You don't need to know art history to enjoy them.

A good way to view them is to first stop beneath the dome to take in the whole, and then go up to the upper level to change your viewing angle.

In addition, Galerías Pacífico currently offers a free, approximately 15-minute audio guide dedicated to the building, the murals, and the artists who created them. It can be accessed by scanning a QR code in the dome area or at the Customer Service desk and is available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.

It’s worth doing: in fifteen minutes, it explains details of each mural that you would otherwise overlook.

The Borges Cultural Center

The Borges Cultural Center, which is part of the Galerías Pacífico complex, is also located in the area of ​​Viamonte and San Martín.

Its programming includes exhibitions and cultural activities, offering yet another reason to enter the building if you are interested in art.

As exhibitions, opening hours, and entry conditions are subject to change, it is best to check the current schedule before planning your visit.

Galerías Pacífico: Hours and Services

The following schedules correspond to the official information available in August 2026:

Retail stores: every day, from 10:00 to 21:00.

Food outlets: daily, from 10:00 to 22:00.

Address: 550 Córdoba Avenue.

Information: the service desk operates from 10:00 to 21:00.

As there may be changes on public holidays or special dates, it is advisable to check the opening hours before going.

Current services include Wi-Fi in the food courts, ATMs, wheelchairs (subject to availability), baby strollers, and visitor services.

Please note that there is no scheduled in-person guided tour; the standard option for exploring the building and the murals is a 15-minute audio guide accessed via QR code.

How to get to Galerías Pacífico

Galerías Pacífico is located right in the heart of the downtown area, at the intersection of Florida and Avenida Córdoba.

On foot from Retiro

From Plaza San Martín or the Retiro area, you can get there on foot via Florida Street or the parallel streets.

It is a short route that is almost entirely urban, so if you are already staying at a hotel in Retiro or the city center, you probably won't need transportation.

On the subway

The Florida station on Line B allows you to get close from Corrientes and complete the journey on foot.

There are also stations for other lines in the city center just a few blocks away, depending on where you are coming from.

By bus

Numerous bus lines run along Avenida Córdoba, Leandro N. Alem, and nearby streets.

As routes and stops are subject to change, it is advisable to check the specific route from your location before setting out.

From HR Plaza Luxor

HR Plaza Luxor is a 3-star hotel located a few blocks from Galerías Pacífico—at Reconquista 602—and the hotel's own website states that the shopping mall is approximately a three-minute walk away.

This proximity is especially convenient if you are traveling with family or in a group: you can walk there, return to the hotel with your purchases, or use Galerías as an option for a quick meal or a rainy afternoon.

Staying a few blocks from Galerías Pacífico

If you plan to explore the city center on foot, choosing the right place to stay makes the whole trip easier.

HR Plaza Luxor is about a 3-minute walk from Galerías Pacífico, at Reconquista 602.

As for accommodations, we offer triple rooms with two queen beds and family options that sleep up to five people. This is a distinct advantage—one not easily found in hotels in this area—that adds significant value for families or groups traveling together. We also bring extensive experience hosting sports, student, and cultural delegations, with services specifically tailored to the needs of such groups.

From there, you can explore Galerías Pacífico, Florida Street, and a large part of the city center without needing to hop on any form of transport.

We invite you to stay at HR Plaza Luxor, just minutes from Galerías Pacífico, and explore downtown Buenos Aires on foot from the hotel.