The El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore in Buenos Aires is dream come true for a true book-lover. Rather  than a mere library or bookstore full of books, this stunning structure is actually a 100-year-old theater and cinema hall as well!



This bookworm's heaven holds 120,000 books and looks like an opera house. Heralded as the most beautiful library in South America, the building was constructed in 1919.



Originally named Grand Splendid Theatre by Max Glucksmann, the Argentinian flim pioneer it was once Buenos Aires' most luxurious film house before closing in 1991.



It opened again in 2000, this time as a bookstore after a renovation by Fernando Manzone. It retained its original magnificent operatic details, including the fresco on the ceiling and the stage curtains.



Now the balconies have been converted into cozy reading rooms, and you are surrounded by seemingly endless rows and stacks of books in neat shelves.



Even if you’re not the type of person who wastes time on books, you’ll definitely want to visit the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Just loiter, soak in the ambiance and you just might be tempted to immerse yourselves in the world of words.