# Colossal Cinema-Converted Bookstores The Grand Splendid Theater Offers a Dramatic Surprise By Kevin Young | Published 2012-04-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-splendid-theater References: [thecoolist](http://www.thecoolist.com/renovated-grand-splendid-theater-in-buenos-aires/) & [tripadvisor](http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312741-d317523-Reviews-El_Ateneo_Grand_Splendid-Buenos_Aires_Capital_Federal_District.html) The Grand Splendid Theater in Buenos Aires will be the eighth wonder of the world for book enthusiasts and theatrical aficionados. This theater converted bookstore makes book shopping a grand experience. The theater first opened its doors in 1919 to host a bunch of different performances and later, establishing the building as a cinema in the late 1920s. It's now titled the El Ateneo Grand Splendid Theater, which attracts over one million visitors a year. What's amazing about this space is the preserved decor from the 1920s. The ceiling murals, ornate wood carvings and vintage sculptures maintain the feeling that this space was once filled with dancers, actors and theater lovers. The decor embraces visitors with a taste of the past, making this reading spot a favorite. The Grand Splendid Theater even provides a live piano player that will fill the space with acoustics that are bound to make this attraction an even more dramatic experience. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Cinema-converted Spaces:** Businesses can consider converting unused cinemas into unique retail spaces, giving new life to old buildings while providing a memorable customer experience. - **Preservation of Historical Decor:** There is an opportunity to cater to consumers who value nostalgia and the preservation of iconic architecture, integrating it into modern-day experiences. - **Innovative Atmosphere Design:** Creating immersive atmospheres using live music or other unique elements can differentiate businesses and provide added value to consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** Retailers can consider converting unused spaces such as cinemas into unique experiential retail spaces, providing a memorable customer experience. - **Hospitality:** Hotels or restaurants can attract customers by preserving historical decor and integrating it into a modern drinking or dining experience. - **Entertainment:** Theaters or concert venues can create innovative atmospheres using unique design and entertainment elements to differentiate themselves from competitors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Book-Themed Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-bar-toronto.md) - [Floating Wetland Bookstore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xixi-goldmye-bookstore.md) - [Everchanging Water-Based Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yichang-grand-theatre.md) - [Virtual Library Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-library-at-night.md) - [Mass-Timber Lakeside Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theater-of-the-arts.md) - [Book-Inspired Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sit-down-to-read.md) - [Landscape Seating Theater Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinema-visiona.md) - [Bookstore Wine Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookstore-wine-shops.md) - [Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanghai-book-city.md)