Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS
MUSEO CASA CARLOS GARDEL
MAP
MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
( 4964-2071; Jean Jaurés 735; admission AR$5, Wed free; 11am-6pm Mon & Wed-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat
& Sun)
Small but noteworthy is this tribute to tango's most famous voice. Located in Gar-
del's old house, this museum traces his partnership with José Razzano and displays old
memorabilia like photos, records and news clippings. There isn't a whole lot to see, so it's
best for real fans or just the curious; look for the cluster of colorfully painted buildings.
Free tango classes offered Wednesday and Friday at 6pm, and Saturday at 3pm.
MERCADO DE ABASTO
MAP
NOTABLE BUILDING
GOOGLE MAP
( 4959-3400;
www.abasto-shopping.com.ar
; Av Corrientes 3247; 10am-10pm; Línea B Carlos
Gardel)
The historic Mercado de Abasto (1895) has been recycled by US-Hungarian financi-
er George Soros into one of the most beautiful shopping centers in the city. The building,
once a large vegetable market, received an architectural prize in 1937 for its Av Corrientes
facade; at night the spotlighted and lofty arches are visible all the way from Av Pueyrredón.
It holds more than 200 stores, a large cinema, a large food court and a kosher McDonald's
(the one upstairs).
It's great for families, with a good children's museum, video/arcade games and even a
small amusement park. The small Abasto neighborhood was once home to tango legend
Carlos Gardel, and on the gentrified pedestrian street off Av Anchorena is a
statue
of the
singer.
MUSEO ARGENTINO DE CIENCIAS NATURALES
(Natural Science Museum; 4982-6595;
www.macn.secyt.gov.ar
; Av Ángel Gallardo 490; admission
AR$10; 2-7pm)
Way over to the west, the oval Parque del Centenario is a large open space
containing this excellent natural-science museum. On display are large collections of met-
eorites, rocks and minerals, seashells, insects and dinosaur skeleton replicas. Life-size
models of a basking shark and ocean sunfish are impressive, and the taxidermy and skelet-
on rooms are especially good. Bring the kids; they can mingle with the hundreds of chil-
dren who visit on school excursions.
MUSEUM
