Travel & Experiences

Offbeat Traveler: ‘Tower of Babel of Books’ in Buenos Aires

The installation was constructed with books donated by more than 50 countries. In biblical literature, the Babylonians were constructing a grand city to raise their profile, and it included a tower that would reach the heavens, the Tower of Babel. Seeing this, God dispersed them and gave them different languages so they couldn't communicate with one another. The city and tower were never finished.

The installation was constructed with books donated by more than 50 countries. In biblical literature, the Babylonians were constructing a grand city to raise their profile, and it included a tower that would reach the heavens, the Tower of Babel. Seeing this, God dispersed them and gave them different languages so they couldn’t communicate with one another. The city and tower were never finished.  (Juan Mabromata / AFP / Getty Images)

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Art is universal, but books are specific to their language. Still, what about art made of books? Take a look at the “Tower of Babel of Books,” an art installation made of more than 30,000 books from around the world, and decide the universality of its meaning.

The structure rose in May to celebrate Buenos Aires’ reign as 2011 World Book Capital, a title conferred by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote literacy. The tower is the work of Argentine artist Marta Minujín. It made its debut May 12 in Plaza San Martín and will stand until May 27.

-- Jason La

Apex

The “Tower of Babel of Books” stands 82 feet high.  (Juan Mabromata / AFP / Getty Images)

Artist Marta Minujín

Artist Marta Minujín stands inside her creation. Minujín was born in Buenos Aires’ San Telmo neighborhood and studied at the National University Art Institute nearby.  (Natacha Pisarenko / Associated Press)

Artist Marta Minujín

Minujín created a similar installation dedicated to freedom of expression nearly 30 years ago. After democracy returned to Argentina in 1983 following seven years of dictatorship, Minujín re-created the Parthenon with 30,000 previously banned books. Her work was called “The Parthenon of Books.”  (Natacha Pisarenko / Associated Press)

Visitor

Visitors can enter the tower by appointment. Guided tours are available.  (Juan Mabromata / AFP / Getty Images)

Assembly

Workers assemble the “Tower of Babel of Books.”  (Juan Mabromata / AFP / Getty Images)

Plaza San Martín

The tower stands in Plaza San Martín in Buenos Aires’ Retiro neighborhood.  (Juan Mabromata / AFP / Getty Images)

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