Palacio Taranco

Palacio Taranco is an early 20th century palace in Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja that now functions as a museum of decorative arts. The building is noted for its preserved period interiors and European-influenced architecture.

Interior rooms display furniture, tapestries and decorative objects arranged to illustrate upper-class domestic life of the early 1900s, and architectural details such as carved woodwork and formal staircases are prominent. Guided or self-guided visits focus on the building’s design and collection highlights.

Constructed in the early decades of the 20th century for a prominent family, the palace was later transferred to state care and repurposed as a public museum to conserve its collections and interiors. The building represents Montevideo’s period of urban expansion and European architectural influence.

Palacio Taranco stands in Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja neighborhood, within the historic core of the Uruguayan capital and within walking distance of other central cultural institutions.

• Decorative arts collection: Housed in an early 20th century urban mansion, the site presents European and decorative arts collections alongside preserved interior architecture.

What to See#

• Period salons and reception rooms: A sequence of formal reception rooms, salons and period interiors preserved to display furniture, tapestries and decorative objects from the early 20th century.
• Grand staircase and entrance hall: An ornate main staircase and entrance hall that form the architectural center of the building and are often highlighted in guided visits.

Palacio Taranco is in Ciudad Vieja on Plaza Cagancha in central Montevideo. From Montevideo’s main bus terminal or the Port area, it’s a short taxi ride or a 10-15 minute walk. Local buses and taxis serve the city center frequently.

• Enter through the main facade on Plaza Cagancha to see the carved stonework and original staircase.
• Audio guides are sometimes available; check the museum desk for English materials.
• The museum houses a fine collection of French and Italian décor; the second-floor salons are where the house's best details - frescoes and parquet floors - are preserved.