Argentina, like the USA, is a country made of immigrants. This Gran Hotel de Immigrantes is the equivalent of USA's Ellis Island. it is where millions of immigrants first came ashore in Argentina. The majority came from Italy and Spain, but many other countries are represented, as well. The Immigrant Hotel is where the people cleared customs and immigration, received food, shelter and medical care. Many people stayed temporarily in the hotel while waiting for family waiting in Argentina to retrieve them. Built in 1905-1911 to replace a smaller building – not at the same site – there is a museum within the main dining hall of the hotel. The complex is on the north side of the Darsena Norte in Puerto Madero.