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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires attractions > Galerías Pacífico Galerías PacíficoCalle Florida (Avenida Córdoba); Tel. +(011.54.11) 5555.5110
 This sprawling retail haven attracts hundreds of visitors a day to check out the stores and stare at the gorgeous murals. Photo by Greg Roden. Galerias Pacifico is the downtown mall with entrances on both Avenida Córdoba and Calle Florida. With bookstores, wine shops, leather boutiques, and cafés Galerías Pacífico has it all. High glass-paned ceilings create an expansive area for strolling, shopping and sipping espresso. The spectacular building was built in the late 19th century and inspired by Paris Bon Marché. High glass ceilings with gothic-style arches line the multi-floored gallery, and sit above wide walkways and open-air center space. On the outside, the Parisian influence oozes out the high walls, tall windows, and stately roof. Commanding attention is the center cupola lined with murals painted in 1945 by Antonio Bernini, Juan Carlos Castangino, Manuel Colmiero, Lino Spilimbergo, and Demetrio Urruchúa. This impressive masterpiece is an attraction in itself and arguably one of the best public displays of art in the city. Within Galerias is the Centro Cultural Borges. Most visitors manage to hit both attractions in the same visit, but plan to spend the better part of the afternoon here. Call ahead or check the website to see the schedule at Centro Cultural Borges. —Galerías Pacífico review by Gena Mavuli
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