Obelisk gets an upgrade: Work begins on new lift, viewing platform

One of Buenos Aires’ most famous attractions, the iconic Obelisk that stands proudly in the middle of the grand Avenida 9 de Julio thoroughfare, is having some work done.

Twenty-one months after a call to tender went out, workpeople began construction on a new lift and internal panoramic viewing platform that will offer locals and tourists a unique view of the nation’s capital.

The elevator will serve a simple purpose for the renowned landmark: it will allow everyone to reach the top of the 67.5-metre structure.

Up until now, the only way to get to the Obelisk’s highest point was via a series of iron vertical ladders (seven, with 206 steps in total), which were not accessible to the public and only used on a few occasions and required the use of a safety harness and gloves.

City Hall believes the work will increase the attraction of the Obelisk, making it a must-see for the millions that visit the capital each year.

Construction is expected to be completed in eight months. City Hall says it is a move to “bring new value to the City’s urban heritage” and “develop new creative and innovative tourist experiences."

“With this lookout we want all locals and tourists who visit us to be able to access the top of this historical monument, and look over the City from this unparalleled central point," stated Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri about the project.

Work underway

In recent days, as tourists gathered to take their usual pictures at the iconic landmark, labourers arrived to put up fences and work got properly underway.

The installation consists of a panoramic lift with three glazed sides and a metal staircase around it, to be used only in the event of an emergency. Entry to the Obelisk will be from Plaza de la República and the lift may be accessed by going up eight steps located at the base of the monument.

The installation of the structure will cover, once completed, an area of 160 m2 between the base, lift, emergency staircase and lookout.

The lift, with a capacity of up to four visitors, will travel up the interior of the Obelisk – from the base upwards – through an anchoring system.

It will run to a rest area just before the top of the monument on “Level 55,” from where there will be a 35-step spiral staircase. The top of the Obelisk has four windows through which the different panoramic views of the City will be enjoyed.

Tender

The so-called “Obelisk Lookout Project” was put out to tender on November 25, 2022. A contract was awarded to Ascensores Servas SA, for a total cost of 188,890,400 pesos.

However, given that the Obelisk is a national historical monument, the changes had to be approved by the authorities.

Since the works do not affect the facades, internal walls or top of the monument, it was approved by the National Monuments Commission to City Hall’s delight.

“We’re very excited about the progress of the works in the new lookout which will revitalise the Buenos Aires urban heritage, and further the tourist appeal the Obelisk already has,” said City Hall’s Public Space & Urban Hygiene Minister Ignacio Baistrocchi.

– TIMES/PERFIL