Floralis Genérica
Buenos Aires
Floralis Genérica is a striking sculpture located in United Nations Square in Buenos Aires, created by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano and inaugurated in 2002. This 23-meter high, 18-ton flower made of stainless steel with an aluminum skeleton is designed to open its six petals every morning and close them at sunset, mimicking the natural behavior of flowers. It sits atop a 44-meter diameter reflecting pool, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also protects the structure. The sculpture is surrounded by a four-hectare park with wooded boundaries and walking paths offering various perspectives. The opening and closing mechanism was originally hydraulic and photoelectric, but due to fragility and maintenance challenges, it was disabled after restoration work completed in 2025. Floralis Genérica represents a universal flower, symbolizing all flowers in the world and embodying the concept of rebirth and hope each day. It has become an iconic landmark of Buenos Aires and a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists.
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Astuce: Visit Floralis Genérica during daylight hours to witness its iconic open petals and enjoy the surrounding park. The sculpture opens its petals at 8 AM and closes them at sunset, with times varying by season. Although the original opening and closing mechanism is no longer operational, the flower remains a captivating sight. Consider visiting on special dates when the petals were historically left open, such as May 25 or December 31, for cultural significance. Tickets are not required, but arriving early in the day provides the best photographic opportunities. The site is accessible and free to the public.
Faits intéressants
- •Floralis Genérica weighs 18 tons and stands 23 meters (75 feet) high.
- •Its petals span 32 meters (105 feet) when open and 26 meters (85 feet) when closed.
- •The sculpture was designed to open every morning at 8 AM and close at sunset, controlled by a hydraulic and photoelectric system.
- •Special occasions historically featured the petals remaining open, including May 25, September 21, December 24, and December 31.
- •The sculpture sits on a 44-meter diameter reflecting pool that also protects it.
- •In 2023, a strong storm damaged two of its petals, leading to a major restoration completed in 2025.
- •The restoration involved transporting the petals over 150 kilometers by river and land, using industrial techniques similar to those in the aerospace industry.
Histoire
Floralis Genérica was donated to Buenos Aires by architect Eduardo Catalano and inaugurated on April 13, 2002.
Initially, technical problems delayed the operation of its opening and closing petals, which were resolved two months later.
The sculpture's hydraulic mechanism was disabled in 2010 due to maintenance issues and a damaged petal, remaining open until repairs were completed in 2015.
In December 2023, a severe storm caused two petals to collapse, prompting an extensive restoration completed by December 2025.
Post-restoration, the original mechanical system was not reactivated due to concerns about reliability and safety.
Guide du lieu
The Six Petals2002
The sculpture's defining feature, six large stainless steel petals that open and close daily, symbolizing the rebirth of hope and nature's dynamism. Each petal weighs approximately 3.5 tons and spans up to 32 meters when fully open.
Reflecting Pool
A 44-meter diameter water pool beneath the sculpture that enhances its visual impact and serves as a protective barrier. The pool's water overflows into a surrounding moat and is recycled via a pumping system.
Surrounding Park
A four-hectare wooded park encircles the sculpture, featuring walking paths that offer multiple perspectives and photo opportunities of Floralis Genérica.
