A Visit to
Manzana 1
Twice in the last week, I have visited the Manzana 1. Before I told you it was a plaza connected to
the main plaza, Plaza 24 de September and I told you it was an open-air art
gallery whose name means Apple 1. I was totally
wrong about the interpretation of the name.
A former missionary to the SCCLC, who reads my blog, wrote
me that manzana has more than one meaning.
Manzana means apple. I have heard
of Buenos Aires being called the Gran Manzana, so I always equated that with
New York being called the Big Apple. Another
definition of manzana is block, as in a city block. So Manzana 1 actually City Block 1, signifying
it is the center of the city. Maybe
Buenos Aires’ nickname means the big city block.
Manzana 1 was created in 2005, when the old National Police
Building, which was considered a cultural heritage site, was repurposed as a
center of art. I haven’t discovered all
there is to this place, just the outer covering. Over the next months, as I return, I hope to
uncover a bit more with each visit.
Basically it is a backwards “L” with the Cathedral on the
east and the old police building on the west and north. Inside the building is the Manzana 1 Espacio
de Arte, Art Gallery. It is a place
where Santa Cruz displays the works of local artists.
The Plaza itself has several statues, some examples of
modern art. There is also a mural
depicting the indigenous culture of Bolivia.
If you come visit, we will definitely go to Manzana 1 before
getting an ice cream.
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