National Museum of Visual Arts (Uruguay)

The National Museum of Visual Arts (Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales) in Montevideo is Uruguay’s main public museum for visual arts. It preserves and displays the country’s leading collections of painting, sculpture and graphic arts.

Galleries present Uruguayan art from the 19th century to the present, with important holdings of work by Joaquín Torres-García and Pedro Figari. Exhibitions include permanent displays of national masters as well as rotating temporary exhibitions and educational programs.

Founded to collect and exhibit national visual art, the museum’s holdings have been assembled through acquisitions, donations and transfers from institutions and private collectors. It functions as the primary public repository for Uruguay’s modern and contemporary art.

Located in Montevideo, in the Parque Rodó area, the museum is accessible from central city districts and is part of the city’s cultural circuit.

• Major artists: Houses Uruguay’s principal public collection of national visual art with major works by Joaquín Torres-García and Pedro Figari.

The museum’s main building (Palacio Taranco) sits near Plaza Zabala in the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), a short walk from the port area and the main bus routes. Montevideo’s city centre is compact and walkable.

• Check for rotating exhibitions; the national collection is supplemented by notable temporary shows.
• Spend time in the print and poster rooms-Uruguay's graphic arts are a national strength.
• Combine the visit with a walk along nearby Avenida del Libertador for more public sculpture.