Argentina - Buenos Aires, Noel Palace

The Palacio Noel (Noel Palace) is a stunning mansion with neo-colonial and baroque influences. The mansion with its plain white walls, lace-like window grilles, dark wooden bow-windows and wrought-iron balconies was designed by architect Martin Noel, following his return to Argentina in 1914. The construction was completed in 1922. It has a wonderful Andalucian style courtyard with fountains, niches in and Moorish-tiled benches.

The residence, which he shared with his brother, was sold to the city of Buenos Aries in 1936. In 1947 it became (and still is) the home of the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernández Blanco, featuring an important collection of Spanish-American art. Noel Palace was renamed in its founder’s honor at that time.

We were unlucky to visit Noel Palace on a day when the museum was closed. But a friendly staff member let us in, so we could see the building and the courtyard anyway. A wonderful green oasis surrounded by modern apartments and skyscrapers, just a stone's throw from the busy Retiro railway station.