Caminito, Street museum in La Boca, Argentina
Caminito is a pedestrian open-air gallery set in a historic port lane, stretching around 150 meters with houses made of wood and recycled metal. Colorful facades line the narrow street, flanked by artist stalls, restaurants, and cafes.
The street emerged where Italian immigrants from Genoa built their homes next to the port in the late 1800s. In the 1950s, local artist Benito Quinquela Martín took the initiative to paint the run-down buildings with bright colors and establish the neighborhood as an artistic destination.
The name comes from an old tango song expressing the longing of dock workers. Today this spirit lives on through live dance performances and traditional music played at various spots throughout the day.
The place is lively during the day and best explored on foot, taking time to notice the details of the houses and local artworks. Several restaurants and cafes offer spots to rest and sample traditional dishes, but arrive early or go in the afternoon to avoid large crowds.
Many of the colors on the house facades actually come from old ship paint sourced from nearby shipyards and worked into the neighborhood's architecture. This practical reuse created a specific color palette unlike any other part of the city.
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