Museum of Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
The History of Argentina's Banking District in Capital Federal
Jul 3, 2009
Off the main sightseeing track in Buenos Aires is the "Zona Bancaria" – Argentina's banking zone. Although unknown to the majority of short-term visitors, the Zona Bancaria offers surprises in the form of architecture, museums and churches.
The History of Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
After Argentina's declaration of independence in 1810, Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires was the first bank to open its doors in 1822. It was situated at the corner of what nowadays belongs to Manzana de las Luces, on Perú 272.
In 1827, the bank moved to San Martin 137, where "Real Consulado" was constructed. It was the beginning of the banking district, in those days called the "Barrio Ingles", because of the presence of the English. They constructed, among other things, the beautiful St. John's Anglican church at 25 de Mayo 276. The church is worth a visit for its beautiful stained glass windows and original, wooden interior.
"Real Consulado" was demolished in 1870 to make room for a larger office. The "Antigua Casa del Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires" was designed by the German Hans Schroeder and the Englishman Henry Hunt, who were responsible for other architectural treasures in Buenos Aires as well.
Unfortunately, pictures are now the only legacies of this beautiful building that was demolished in 1939, to make way for modern architecture. The current office of Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires dates from 1940. Check out its amazing bronze doors [only visible when the bank is closed, they slide into the wall during opening hours], with sculptures depicting either families, or professions [San Martin 137].
Museums of Banks in Buenos Aires
At Sarmiento 362, Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires opened a well-set up and informative museum "Doctor Arturo Jaúretche", showing the history of Buenos Aires' banking district as well as the bank's own history in particular [Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, free of charge].
Two scale models show the differences between the banking district in 1830 and 2000, and in large showcases a selection is on view of the numerous banknotes Argentina has known in its almost two hundred years of existence. The caretaker of the museum is more than willing to enthusiastically point out interesting details in Argentina's financial and economic history.
Two other banks have museums in Capital Federal as well:
- Museo del Banco Central, at San Martin 216.
- Museo Histórico y Numismático del Banco de la Nacion, at Bartholomé Mitre 326 [10am-3pm]. At the time of writing this museum was closed due to renovation, but do check out the first floor for a stroll around the 36 metres wide dome.
Architectural Highlights in Zona Bancaria
The banking district is worth a visit if for nothing else than to admire old and modern architectural designs of buildings. A few examples are:
- San Martin 108: a tall, glass modern construction called "Edificio Anexo de Casa Central".
- San Martin 216, which houses Banco Central's museum. This is the oldest building in "Barrio de los Bancos", constructed in 1862 and commissioned by Bolsa de Comercio [Chamber of Commerce]
- San Martin 275 houses Banco Central. The building was constructed in 1876 and commissioned by Banco Hipotecario de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. The bank bought the entire row of buildings within the block; the façade of the back entrance at Reconquista is a bad copy of the elaborate main entrance on San Martin.
- Reconquista 101 was constructed in 1959 and commissioned by the Bank of London. The Bank of London was situated here until the financial crisis in 2001. It now houses the Hipotecario Nacional Bank.
To visit other districts of Buenos Aires, readers may be interested in the best forms of transportation in the city. For those interested in historic buildings, Rosario is an interesting city [300 kilometres north of Buenos Aires]. Those who like to learn about other museums in Argentina, check out Resources for Travel in Argentina – Museums and Cultural Centres.
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