The building that refuses to be destroyed

In the heart of Buenos Aires, on San Martín Street, stands the majestic Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA). Built between 1872 and 1876 by architects Henry Hunt and Hans Schroeder, this building has witnessed countless historic events.

On a summer night, as the city slept, the building seemed to come alive. The columns and pilasters that surround its two floors whispered stories of its past, from its time as the headquarters of the Mortgage Bank of the Province of Buenos Aires to its transformation into the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation in 1888. In 1912, it became the headquarters of the Conversion Fund, the precursor to the BCRA.

However, the building now faced an unusual threat. Javier Milei, the charismatic and controversial president, had promised during his campaign to "blow up" the Central Bank, a metaphor for his desire to close the institution and radically reform the country's economy.² This promise had generated both fear and hope among citizens.

One night, as Milei walked through the deserted streets of Buenos Aires, he stopped in front of the imposing building. The city lights reflected off the bank's windows, creating an almost mystical aura. Milei, with his signature tousled hair and intense gaze, stared up at the structure. In his mind, the building represented everything he considered obsolete and corrupt in the Argentine financial system.

But the building, with its recently restored façade, seemed to challenge him. Stories from its past echoed in the air, reminding Milei that it wasn't just a building, but a symbol of the country's history and resilience.¹ At that moment, Milei realized that his fight wasn't against the building itself, but against the invisible structures of power and corruption that had taken root in society.

Determined to transform the country, Milei realized that destruction was not the answer. Instead of blowing up the building, he decided to turn it into a symbol of change and renewal. He announced a plan to transform the Central Bank into a center of financial innovation, where new economic policies would be developed and transparency and efficiency would be fostered.

The Central Bank building, with its rich history and new mission, became a beacon of hope for the Argentine people. And so, instead of being destroyed, the building was reinvented, reflecting the indomitable spirit of a country that always finds a way to revive itself.

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