Floralis Genérica in Recoleta: Schedules, History & Photos 2026

A monumental 20-meter-tall steel and aluminum flower dominating Plaza Naciones Unidas. Learn about the mechanics and history of this Buenos Aires icon.

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Floralis Genérica in Recoleta: Schedules, History & Photos 2026

A monumental 20-meter-tall steel and aluminum flower dominating Plaza Naciones Unidas. Learn about the mechanics and history of this Buenos Aires icon.

Monumental sculpture Floralis Genérica in Plaza Naciones Unidas, Recoleta, Buenos Aires.

Located in Plaza Naciones Unidas in the elegant neighborhood of Recoleta, the Floralis Genérica is one of the most fascinating, avant-garde, and iconic public art sculptures in Buenos Aires. Gifted to the city by renowned Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano in 2002, this colossal stainless steel and aluminum flower stands over 20 meters tall and weighs 18 tons.

In this guide, we share its history, how its hydraulic mechanism opens and closes the petals, and how to make the most of your visit to the park.

History & Concept: The Flower That Comes to Life

The Floralis Genérica represents all the flowers in the world. According to its creator, Eduardo Catalano, the sculpture is "a synthesis of all flowers and, at the same time, a hope that is reborn every day as it opens."

Dynamic Mechanism: The sculpture's defining feature is that it was designed to mimic the natural movement of a real flower using a hydraulic and photoelectric system.
Opening and Closing: Traditionally, the flower's six metallic petals open in the morning at sunrise (taking about 20 minutes to open fully) and close at sunset, emitting a red glow from within.
Special Dates: On four nights a year, the flower remains open overnight: September 21st (Spring Day), May 25th, September 21st, and December 31st.

View of the Floralis Genérica illuminated at night in Recoleta, Buenos Aires.

The Park & Surroundings

The sculpture is surrounded by a large reflecting pool and four hectares of tree-lined parkland featuring concentric pathways.

It is a favorite spot for locals and travelers to relax on the grass, drink mate, read, or have a picnic, just steps from the UBA School of Law and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

How to Get to the Floralis Genérica

Located at Av. Figueroa Alcorta 2301, between the UBA School of Law and Av. Pueyrredón.

By Subte (Subway):
- Line H: Facultad de Derecho station (the most convenient option—exit the subway and walk just 200 meters across the square).
By Bus (Colectivo): Lines 17, 61, 62, 67, 92, 93, 110, 124, 130, 152 (get off at the Facultad de Derecho transit hub on Av. Figueroa Alcorta).
Walking: It is only a 10-minute walk from Recoleta Cemetery and the Recoleta Cultural Center.

What to See and Do Near the Floralis Genérica

Take advantage of your walk around the area to visit these essential cultural spots in Recoleta:

UBA School of Law (Facultad de Derecho): An impressive neoclassical building featuring Doric columns right next to the park.
Figueroa Alcorta Pedestrian Bridge: A curved pedestrian bridge crossing the avenue towards the museum, offering spectacular panoramic views.
National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA): 300 meters away, housing the country's most important fine arts collection (free admission or accessible fee depending on the day).
Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum of Spanish-American Art (Palacio Noel): A beautiful neocolonial mansion and garden a few blocks away.

Frequently Asked Questions about Floralis Genérica (FAQ)

How much does it cost to visit the Floralis Genérica?

The sculpture is located in a public park, so visiting is 100% free and open 24 hours a day.

Is the movement mechanism currently working?

The petal mechanism has undergone periods of technical maintenance over time. Even when the petals remain locked in an open position, the monument and its reflecting pool remain an essential landmark photo spot in the city.

Dynamic Mechanism: The sculpture's defining feature is that it was designed to mimic the natural movement of a real flower using a hydraulic and photoelectric system.
Opening and Closing: Traditionally, the flower's six metallic petals open in the morning at sunrise (taking about 20 minutes to open fully) and close at sunset, emitting a red glow from within.
Special Dates: On four nights a year, the flower remains open overnight: September 21st (Spring Day), May 25th, September 21st, and December 31st.

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The sculpture is surrounded by a large reflecting pool and four hectares of tree-lined parkland featuring concentric pathways.

It is a favorite spot for locals and travelers to relax on the grass, drink mate, read, or have a picnic, just steps from the UBA School of Law and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Located at Av. Figueroa Alcorta 2301, between the UBA School of Law and Av. Pueyrredón.

By Subte (Subway):
- Line H: Facultad de Derecho station (the most convenient option—exit the subway and walk just 200 meters across the square).
By Bus (Colectivo): Lines 17, 61, 62, 67, 92, 93, 110, 124, 130, 152 (get off at the Facultad de Derecho transit hub on Av. Figueroa Alcorta).
Walking: It is only a 10-minute walk from Recoleta Cemetery and the Recoleta Cultural Center.

Take advantage of your walk around the area to visit these essential cultural spots in Recoleta:

UBA School of Law (Facultad de Derecho): An impressive neoclassical building featuring Doric columns right next to the park.
Figueroa Alcorta Pedestrian Bridge: A curved pedestrian bridge crossing the avenue towards the museum, offering spectacular panoramic views.
National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA): 300 meters away, housing the country's most important fine arts collection (free admission or accessible fee depending on the day).
Isaac Fernández Blanco Museum of Spanish-American Art (Palacio Noel): A beautiful neocolonial mansion and garden a few blocks away.