Floralis Genérica, Steel sculpture in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Floralis Genérica is a sculpture in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, Buenos Aires, Argentina, made from polished stainless steel. The six petals rise about 20 meters above the ground and rest on a central stem anchored in a shallow reflecting pool.
Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano designed the flower and donated it to the city in 2002 as a symbol of hope and renewal. The mechanical system comes from aerospace engineering and was implemented by a local industrial company.
The sculpture represents a universal flower, opening its petals at sunrise and closing them at sunset, except during four national celebrations throughout the year.
The flower stands in a park near the National Museum of Fine Arts and is visible from the sidewalk at all times. Visitors can watch the opening during daylight and the closing at dusk when the motors are active and the petals move.
Each petal is fitted with sensors that monitor wind conditions and automatically trigger closing during strong gusts to avoid damage. Small solar cells on the surface provide additional energy for the night lighting that illuminates the polished metal from below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
