On May 23, Buenos Aires is preparing for a special occasion: the city’s main symbol — the Obelisk — celebrates its 90th anniversary. For almost a century, this monumental structure has stood in the heart of the Argentine capital, witnessing historic events, victories, protests, celebrations, and millions of human stories.
A Symbol of Buenos Aires Known Around the World
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is not just an architectural monument. For Argentinians, it holds the same significance as the Eiffel Tower for Paris or the Statue of Liberty for New York. It is the place where people gather during the country’s most important national moments — from football victories to massive public demonstrations.
Located at the intersection of the famous Avenida 9 de Julio and Corrientes Avenue, the Obelisk has long become the city’s main visual landmark. It appears on postcards, in films, television reports, and tourist photographs from around the world.
The monument was inaugurated on May 23, 1936, in honor of the 400th anniversary of the first foundation of Buenos Aires by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza.
The project was designed by Argentine architect Alberto Prebisch, one of the representatives of modernism in Argentine architecture. Construction took only 31 days — an incredibly short period for a structure over 67 meters high.
Interestingly, the site where the Obelisk now stands was once occupied by the San Nicolás de Bari church, where the Argentine flag was raised for the first time in the city’s history.
The Obelisk stands 67.5 meters tall, and inside there is a narrow staircase with 206 steps. At the top are small windows offering panoramic views of Buenos Aires.
Despite its simple geometric form, the monument has become one of the most recognizable architectural images in Latin America. Its minimalist style perfectly reflects the spirit of a modern 20th-century city.
A Place for Gatherings, Protests, and Celebrations
The Obelisk has long been the emotional center of Argentina. It was here that Argentinians celebrated World Cup victories after the triumphs of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Historic demonstrations, concerts, human rights marches, cultural festivals, and New Year celebrations have all taken place around the monument. For many residents, the phrase “Let’s meet at the Obelisk” has become part of everyday life.
For decades, the Obelisk has inspired artists, photographers, filmmakers, and writers. It has become an inseparable part of Argentina’s cultural identity.
Its image is widely used in advertising campaigns, international sports broadcasts, and the country’s tourism branding. For millions of people around the world, the Obelisk is the image most associated with Buenos Aires.
90 Years of History
Over nine decades, the Obelisk has witnessed political crises, economic transformations, football triumphs, and periods of major national change. Yet despite everything, it has remained an enduring symbol of the city — a symbol of resilience, energy, and the spirit of Buenos Aires.
The 90th anniversary of the Obelisk is not only the celebration of an architectural monument. It is a celebration of memory, urban identity, and the history of one of Latin America’s most vibrant metropolises.
On May 23, Buenos Aires will once again gather people around its greatest symbol — just as it has done for the past 90 years.
Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: Olena Zhukova