The Floralis Genérica is a 23-metre-high stainless-steel flower standing in a reflecting pool in the United Nations Plaza, Buenos Aires.
It was constructed in 2002 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Argentine capital. It was designed and paid for by local architect Eduardo Catalano, as a gift to the city.
When it’s working properly it opens at dawn and closes at dusk, just like a real flower, but it has been plagued with electrical and hydraulic problems since its inauguration.
More recently the steel flower has been damaged by summer storms that lashed the city, causing two of its giant petals to collapse. So now it’s wilting like a real flower as well. It is currently awaiting repairs to restore it to its former glory.
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