Republic of the Children
|
República de los Niños | |
| Location | La Plata Partido, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Opened | 26 November 1951 |
The Republic of Children also known as the City of Children, is a theme park located in La Plata Partido, Argentina. The theme park represents a city (proportionally sized for children) with all its institutions: parliament, government house, the courthouse, church, port, theater, airport, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Creation
The Republic of Children was built by Eva Perón Foundation on 52 hectares (130 acres) of land that was formerly a part of Swift Golf Club. On November 26, 1951, the park was officially opened by the then President Juan Domingo Perón.[1] Eva Perón was unable to attend because she was already suffering from the cancer that would end her life several months later.
Features
The Republic of Children is built on a plot of 52 hectares. Within, children can explore the various geographic features, natural landscapes, countryside and city. It includes a complete city with all its institutions and centers. Buildings mimic various architectural styles, such as Moorish or neo-gothic.
A 600 mm (1 ft 11 5⁄8 in) narrow gauge runs through the park.[2]
The Municipal Bank is a copy of the Child Doge's Palace in Venice, while the Palace of Culture was inspired by the Taj Mahal in Agra; among the well-known halls in the latter building the Carlos Moneo Sáenz Doll Museum. The chapel has large Norman-inspired flat roofs, balcony and bell towers. An aquarium is also housed at the park.[3]
The park was designed both for children's recreation, and for their instruction in republican ethics. Around the Plaza de las Americas is the Legislature, inspired by the British Parliament, which houses the precincts of the Chamber of Deputies and Senators of the Government of the Children's Republic; this body is elected from groups of local students. Once a year on the anniversary of the founding of the Republic, members of the City Council of the City engage in a special session.
Youth Democracy
Once a year, on the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Children, the City Council of La Plata holds a special session to consider statements made by the Youth Government of the Republic of Children. Those statements that are approved become effective laws throughout the La Plata region.
Disneyland and the Republic of Children
According to the official website of the Republic of Children, in 1950 Walt Disney visited the park and, surprised by the beauty, was inspired to build Disneyland.
References
- ↑ Página/12 (2006): La Ciudad de los Niños, un clásico.
- ↑ Preserved Orenstein & Koppel Steam Locomotives
- ↑ La Plata: una Ciudad Centenaria. República de los Niños. Municipalidad de La Plata, 1982.
External links
Coordinates: 34°53′10.5″S 58°1′7″W / 34.886250°S 58.01861°W