Casino de Mar del Plata

Casino Central

Address	Boulevard Marítimo 2148, Mar del Plata, Argentina
Opening date	December 22, 1939
Theme	Biarritz
No. of rooms	66
Total gaming space	7,000 m² (75,000 sq ft)
Signature attractions	Teatro Auditórium Sala Ástor Piazzolla
Casino type	Land
Owner	Province of Buenos Aires Institute of Casinos and Lotteries (IPLyC)
Architect	Alejandro Bustillo
Renovated in	2007
Website	www.loteria.gba.gov.ar

The Casino Central ("Central Casino") is located in Mar del Plata, Argentina, and is one of the largest such establishments in the country.

The Central Casino is one of a pair of twin buildings designed by architect Alejandro Bustillo. Inspired by seafront Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, France, the casino and neighboring Grand Provincial Hotel (inaugurated in 1950) remain architectural landmarks of the city of Mar del Plata as well as of Argentina. Its decoration was designed by famed French designer Jean-Michel Frank (who was in Argentina at work on the Llao Llao Hotel) together with local interior design house Casa Comte. Ground was broken on the casino's construction on July 15, 1938, by the Concordance Governor of Buenos Aires Province, Manuel Fresco, and the Central Casino was inaugurated on December 22, 1939.

Bustillo's twin buildings were designed in an eclectic style, but with reminiscences of French Neoclassical architecture. The buildings were clad in brick and quartzite, and topped with a slate mansard. Bustillo also designed the development's surrounding Bristol Esplanade, or Rambla Casino, and central square, both built from 1938 to 1941 for the casino and future hotel. Guillermo Brown Square separates the two twin buildings, and opens to the sea via wide stone steps flanked by two iconic statues of sea lions, carved by José Fioravanti.

The casino was refurbished by the provincial government in December 2007, and the Grand Provincial Hotel was reopened by Madrid-based NH Hotels in February 2009.

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Wikipedia