The Obelisk, a symbol of Buenos Aires, opens a viewing platform with the best panoramic views of the city

Since its inauguration in 1936, the city has been governed by 34 mayors and six heads of government. The project by Tucumán architect Alberto Prebisch is finally completed. To reach the 67.5-meter height, an elevator with glass on one side and a screen on the other was installed. The journey takes one minute.

"This major engineering project enhances one of Buenos Aires' symbols. The panoramic viewpoint is a new tourist attraction that will change the way we see our city and its heritage, just like in the great metropolises of the world," said Mayor Jorge Macri at the monument, accompanied by his wife, journalist María Belén Ludueña. He was also accompanied by Deputy Mayor Clara Muzzio; Minister of Public Space Ignacio Baistrocchi; and President of the City Tourism Board Valentín Díaz Gilligan.

The Obelisk is entered from Republic Square and accessed via eight steps. The elevator is supported by an anchoring system. There is a metal staircase around it for emergency access. "What makes this place special is the view. There's no other spot in the city from which you can see it like this," said Deputy Mayor Clara Muzzio.

Getting off the elevator, you have to climb 35 steps to reach the viewing platform. There are four windows that allow you to enjoy the views of the city. "The elevator was installed without affecting the monument at all. We installed electrical installations and adapted the floor to accommodate the spiral staircase and the metal structure, while the elevator was brought in piecemeal and assembled inside, because the original door is the only entry point," summarized Ignacio Baistrocchi, Minister of Public Space and Urban Hygiene.

During the month of May, and in honor of the Obelisk's anniversary, free visits will be available for residents, with limited capacity. The National Tourism Development Agency (ENTUR) is currently working on a bidding process for the operation of the observation deck, which also includes a museum proposal.

"The observation deck will give us the opportunity to offer visitors an experience that goes beyond the typical photo opportunity with the monument. Thanks to our collaboration with the private sector, tourists will have access to an unparalleled panoramic view," said Valentín Díaz Gilligan, President of the Buenos Aires City Tourism Board.

The Obelisk was created by architect Alberto Prebisch to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires. It was there, in the Plaza de la República, that the national flag was raised for the first time in the city.

On Saturday, May 23, 1936, the day of its inauguration, the mayor of Buenos Aires, Mariano de Vedia y Mitre, said: "This Obelisk will be, over the years, the most authentic document of this glorious celebration of the fourth centenary of the city founded by Don Pedro de Mendoza. Within the classic lines along which it stands, it is like a materialization of the soul of Buenos Aires, reaching toward the heights, rising above itself to reveal itself to other peoples and, from here, proclaim its solidarity with them."

Today it is a National Historic Monument, and its exterior must be protected and preserved. It was originally clad with slabs of white calcareous Córdoba stone, which were replaced with plaster in 1939 because some had become detached.

Last week, the lightning rods were also replaced for the first time since its inauguration. The work was carried out using a huge crane from which a cage with two workers hung.

The project to incorporate an elevator inside the Obelisk existed since Prebisch's idea. In a letter dated May 4, 1936, addressed to Dr. Ramón S. Castillo, the interim head of the National Ministry of the Interior, Mayor De Vedia y Mitre stated: "There is a plan to provide it with an internal elevator that would allow the public access to the top of the monument."