La Casa Rosada [“The Pink House”], located in front of the historic Plaza de Mayo, is the seat of the executive branch of the government of Argentina and one of the most emblematic buildings of Buenos Aires. It underwent many changes before assuming its present form. In fact, three architects took part in the construction during the 19th century: the Swedish Carl Kihlberg built the Central Post Office, Henrik Åberg (Swedish as well) refurbished the old State House, and the Italian Francesco Tamburini (also the author of the first project for the Colón Theater) in 1884 joined the two neighboring buildings and designed the great central archway on Balcarce Street.
The pink colour of the walls has it origin in the 19th century custom of mixing the whitewash paint with hog’s or bull’s blood because their fixative properties.
THE OLD STATE HOUSE AND THE CENTRAL POST OFFICE BUILDING
(TAKEN FROM THE PRESENT CORNER OF RIVADAVIA AND 25 DE MAYO. CIRCA 1880)
THE NEW STATE HOUSE (WITH THE REFURBISHMENT OF HENRIK ÅBERG)
AND THE CENTRAL POST OFFICE BUILDING BEFORE TAMBURINI’S WORK
TAMBURINI’S ARCHWAY (DETAIL)
THE PRESENT CASA ROSADA
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