Life returns to He lived between us. The symbolic house located on Florida 460, in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires which was the headquarters of the company Argentine Rural Association (SRA)will open its doors. But this time, the destination will be different: old rooms and lounges with decades of institutional history will give way to tables, chairs and signature cuisine. It will open there House of the Republicthe restaurant that will seek to bring movement and life back to the palace, with a proposal that combines Argentine cuisine with a tour of the building’s original architecture. The project is implemented by a team led by the chef Martiniano MolinaWhile Rural will provide the building and enhance it.
“The idea is for it to be a gastronomic place, but also a cultural place. It’s a bit like a restaurant and a museum, in the sense that people can get to know and enjoy the house, with more than a hundred years of history.”He said Nation Nicolas Pineau, The head of the SRA, who explained that the entity had decided to outsource the process to the chef. He explained that the intention was to show “Lots of local foods from Argentina”.
The Peña Palace is the last mansion standing on Florida Street, a more than a hundred-year-old structure designed by Belgian architect Jules Dormal, the same person who was involved in designing the Colon Theater and the National Convention, which was the home of the Peña Bligh family before it became, in 1924, the country’s main residence. For decades, the building was one of the symbols of downtown Buenos Aires, until in 2021, the SRA moved its offices to a building in Palermo leaving the house empty.
“Many tourists asked if they could stop by to visit. It’s like in Europe: sometimes museums are old houses that tell you their history. This is a little bit of that.”Benno explained. The proposal is intended to allow those who go to eat to tour the residence, see its rooms and learn about its original architecture.
The initiative began about a year ago. Pino commented that, at the time, they were unable to find a destination for the house and evaluated alternatives with the city government. At that time, he was the director of the entity. Fernando Hernandezput forward a proposal that finally worked and allowed the project to move forward. He said that the headquarters is now in the middle of restoration work and the goal is to open the restaurant and museum. Between March and April of next year.
SRA signed a Contract for more than 10 years Pino stressed that its goal is not economic. “La Rural is not out to make money. We want to preserve the property, establish its value, show the historic headquarters of La Rural and show it in a fun and beautiful way, so people can enjoy this house.”He said.
It is also involved in reinforcement Gerardo DeFacioa specialist associated with the world of European museums and a personal friend of Benno, serves as a sort of curator for the museum. “Gerardo makes sure that the remodeling work does not damage the historical originals. The moldings, paintings, everything has an original style that must be respected.”The rural leader said. “This is how two worlds came together: the world of food and the world of culture.” He added.
The proposal will focus on: Reception floorWhich will be the main gastronomic area. The entire house will not be used. “It’s very big,” Pino explained. However, The most representative part So that visitors can see the architectural essence of the historic building.
The opening of Casa República will also be organized on the anniversary celebrations 160 years Argentine Rural Association. The entity has already held its first anniversary event on the 7th of this year at the Palermo headquarters and plans to continue with another event when the new restaurant opens in the Florida Palace: “We’ll be the first to enjoy it“, said Pino about the celebration that will be held with the partners.
While the work is progressing, La Rural is already preparing historical materials and photographs to accompany the opening of Casa República. “We want people to enjoy the home.”Benno insisted. For Pino, Casa Repubblica represents a double opportunity: “It brings life to a worthy building and opens up a different space in the center of Buenos Aires, with good food, history and culture. It is a way for the house to move again.”.