Libertad Palace

The Libertad Palace, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Cultural Center (Spanish: Palacio Libertad, Centro Cultural Domingo Faustino Sarmiento) is a cultural centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is the largest building of its kind in all of Latin America, and one of the biggest in the world.

Originally opened in 1928 as the Buenos Aires Central Post Office ("Palacio de Correos"), it served that purpose until 2002. After many years of careful work to refresh the building, it reopened in 2015 as a place for art, music, and learning. For some time, it was named after a former president of Argentina, Néstor Kirchner, but the name was changed to “Domingo Faustino Sarmiento” on October 10, 2024.

This amazing building has nine floors filled with things to see and do. There is a big concert hall, five more spaces for shows and music, 18 rooms for poetry and special performances, and 40 rooms showing art and history covering almost 160,000 square feet. You can reach it easily using Line B and Line E of the city's underground, getting off at Leandro N. Alem or Correo Central.

History

Buenos Aires Central Post Office

The post office under construction (c. 1920)

Main article: Buenos Aires Central Post Office

In 1888, the need for a new central post office in Buenos Aires was first suggested. A French architect was chosen to design it, and a special location was picked for the building. However, problems and delays happened over the years, including financial troubles and changes in design.

Under construction and restoration in 2012

Finally, the building was completed and opened in 1928. It was the largest public building in Argentina at that time, with many beautiful features like marble decorations and large stained glass windows.

Perón era

Cultural Center shown in its setting between Buenos Aires Central Business District and Puerto Madero

Later, the building was used by important leaders, including President Juan Perón. During this time, parts of the building were used for charity work.

Cultural centre

In 2005, the old post office was turned into a cultural centre. After some delays, it opened in 2015. The centre includes concert halls and spaces for exhibitions. Many people visit each day to enjoy free events and performances. The building was renamed "Palacio Libertad, Centro Cultural Domingo Faustino Sarmiento" in 2024.