Floralis Genérica | 5 Amazing Things to Know about the Giant Steel Flower in Buenos Aires

The Floralis Generica is a true icon of Buenos Aires, and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Weighing 18-tons, and towering 23-metres into the sky, there’s really no other flower in the world quite like it.

The Floralis Generica is absolutely striking © Matias Ramos (Unsplash)

Located in the centre of a reflecting pool at the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, the Floralis Generica is a sight you won’t soon forget.

The Floralis Genérica

Designed, constructed, and paid for by famous Argentine architect, Eduardo Catalano, the gigantic flower was given as a gift to the city of his birth in 2002.

Plaza de las Naciones Unidas © Gabriel Ramos (Unsplash)

Surrounded by walking paths and picnic areas that provide different perspectives of the glimmering flower, it’s the perfect place to take a breather if you’re exploring La Recoleta Cemetery, Plaza Francia, or the northern neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires.

Read on to learn 5 amazing facts about the Floralis Genérica in Argentina.

1. The Floralis Generica is enormous.

Made of stainless steel, aluminum, and reinforced concrete, the Floralis Generica weighs 18-tons, stands 23-metres | 75-feet tall, and spreads out to a maximum width of 32-metres | 105-feet.

The flower is MASSIVE © Celso Hashimoto (Unsplash)

The flower is made up of 6 steel petals, each measuring 13-meters | 43-feet long. When the petals are closed, the sculpture stands 75-feet tall and has a diameter of 52-feet. When in full bloom, the petals span out to an awesome 32-metres | 105-feet.

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2. It’s ALIVE!

The Floralis Generica’s petals were designed to close every night and blossom anew every day, symbolizing Catalano’s idea that the flower was “a synthesis of all the flowers and…a hope that is reborn every day to open.”

The sculpture was designed to bloom anew every day.

The petals are scheduled to open at 8AM, and close at sunset, with the timing adapted to the season. It takes about 20 minutes for the sculpture to open and close each time.

The Floralis Generica remains open to commemorate 4 special days. These are: May 25th (May Revolution), September 21st (beginning of spring) December 24th (Christmas Eve), and December 31st (NYE).

3. You’ll be lucky to see it bloom.

The Floralis Generica has periodically remained either permanently open or closed, due to various mechanical / construction issues. The longest bout was from 2010 – 2015, when the flower,was stuck in a fully open position, until repairs could be made.

When I visited, the flower was stuck in full bloom.

Now, it’s theoretically supposed to be in full working condition, but recent reviews seem hit or miss. When I visited, I wasn’t able to witness the blooming firsthand, but it’s still enjoyed my time there. It’s worth seeing.

4. The name has symbolism.

The Floralis Generica isn’t just a pretty silver flower. According to the creator, Eduardo Catalano, it’s a flower that belongs to the world. Floralis, as in flora / flowers, and Genérica, arising from the idea of gender – meaning that it represents all flowers in the world.

The Floralis Generica is a homage to all flowers.

5. It’s free to visit!

The Floralis Generica is open 24 hours a day, and it’s totally free to see. Befitting for a sculpture that was given to the city of Buenos Aires as a gift, wouldn’t you say?

It’s free to see the Floralis Generica © Deensel (CC BY 2.0)

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How to go to the Floralis Generica

Address: Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta 2301, C1425 CABA, Argentina

The Floralis Generica is located in Recoleta in the centre of the Plaza Naciones Unidas. It’s a 4 minute walk from the closest metro station: Facultad de Derecho on Line H. There are also several nearby bus stops on the Av. Figueroa Alcorta, if you prefer that mode of transport.

If you’re already out exploring Barrio Norte and Recoleta, the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas is walking distance from several other attractions in the area, including:

• La Recoleta Cemetery: 13 minutes
• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: 7 minutes
• Plaza Francia: 6 minutes

The Floralis Generica’s location in the centre of a 4 acre park is a peaceful place to take a breather in the middle of any tour around Buenos Aires.

The Floralis Generica is a nice break from a day of touring © Osmar Valdebenito (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Beautiful building after beautiful building can get overwhelming and pedestrian after a while, but lying on the grass, watching the sun glinting off the steel petals of the Floralis Generica was the perfect respite from the busy streets of Buenos Aires.

Just watch out for this giant rat/mouse type thing on your walk there… 😉

This rodent was as giant as the Floralis Generica.

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