DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Taranco Palace

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°5
Taranco Palace (Uruguay)

Weather…

The Palacio Taranco is a lavish residence in Montevideo's Old City that now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts. It was built between 1907 and 1910 for the wealthy Ortiz de Taranco family. French architects Charles-Louis Girault and Jules-Léon Chifflot, also known for the Petit Palais in Paris, designed the palace in a French Neoclassical style, evoking 18th-century architecture. The palace is organized around a central courtyard and is notable for its luxurious finishes, including marble floors, oak parquet, silk wallpaper, and gilded stucco. The Taranco family furnished the house with an impressive collection of European furniture, tapestries, paintings, and sculptures dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. After the death of the last family members, the palace and its entire collection were acquired by the Uruguayan state in 1943. In 1972, the Museum of Decorative Arts was officially opened. Today, visitors can tour the faithfully preserved rooms, such as the ballroom, dining room, and library, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Montevideo's upper class in the early 20th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232321181512101213161921
Rain mm10210611811484989289961039686

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Taranco Palace houses the Museum of Decorative Arts and is open to visitors. The interiors can be explored via guided tour or self-guided walk.
🕒
Typical hours
The museum is typically open most days, usually Tuesday through Sunday. Exact hours vary by season; checking in advance is recommended.
📷
Photography
Photography is usually allowed in exhibition rooms without flash. For shots of the collections, check the rules at the ticket desk.
⏱️
Time needed
A museum visit typically takes between one and two hours. The elegant architecture and exhibits invite a longer stay.
➕
Combine with
Combine with the nearby Montevideo Cathedral and the Cabildo. The Old City gives many other historic buildings.
🧭
Getting there
The palace is located in Montevideo's Old City, within walking distance of Plaza Constitución. Buses and taxis stop nearby.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the museum in the morning to avoid crowds. An audio guide can deepen your understanding of the exhibits.

Geography

Coordinates
-34.90640, -56.20810

Facts

  • Built between 1907 and 1910.
  • Designed by French architects Girault and Chifflot.
  • It houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
  • Acquired by the Uruguayan state in 1943.
  • Built for the Ortiz de Taranco family.
  • The style is French Neoclassicism.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lavalleja's HouseLavalleja's House<1 km · NExplore →
Santos PalaceSantos Palace2 km · NExplore →
ANCAP La Teja RefineryANCAP La Teja Refinery3 km · SEExplore →
MontevideoMontevideo5 km · NExplore →
Fortress of the CerroFortress of the Cerro6 km · SExplore →
Pittamiglio CastlePittamiglio Castle6 km · NExplore →
Antel ArenaAntel Arena7 km · NEExplore →
Bodegas CarrauBodegas Carrau7 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Taranco Palace (5)

Old Collector Respirator📍 landmark

An outdoor display of a historic industrial respirator used in the city's early 20th-century port works.

Casa de Giuseppe Garibaldi🏛 museum

The former residence of Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi during his years of exile in Uruguay.

🕒 closed "Cerrado al público por refacciones"🆓

Museo de Artes Decorativas "Palacio Taranco"🏛 museum

Housed in a lavish French-style palace, this museum displays European furniture, porcelain, and fine arts.

🕒 Mo-Fr 12:30-17:40🆓

Recreo Ciudad Vieja🎭 culture

A cultural venue in the Old City that hosts local theatrical performances and artistic events.

Sinagoga de la Comunidad Israelita Sefaradí⛪ religious

A Sephardic synagogue in the Old City, featuring modern architectural lines and a peaceful interior.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Palacio Taranco open to the public?
Yes, it now functions as a museum of decorative art and is open to visitors.
Is there an entry fee?
Often admission is free, but please check the website in advance.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, guided tours are offered through the magnificent rooms.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography without flash is usually permitted.
Is it family friendly?
It is more of a quiet place for art lovers than for very young children.
Taranco Palace: where is it located?
Taranco Palace is located in Uruguay.
Taranco Palace: what is there to see?
Highlights include Old Collector Respirator, Casa de Giuseppe Garibaldi, Museo de Artes Decorativas "Palacio Taranco".
Taranco Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Taranco Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Palacio Taranco is a lavish residence in Montevideo's Old City that now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Uruguay →

Nearby cities

Montevideo — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.

History & landmarks

Port Market — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Port Market
A historic market hall in the Old City of Montevideo, famous for its barbecue restaurants.
Metropolitan Cathedral — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Metropolitan Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Montevideo, located on the Plaza de la Constitución.
Solís Theatre — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Solís Theatre
The oldest theatre in Uruguay, playing an important role in the cultural life of Montevideo.
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas
An impressive mausoleum in Plaza Independencia housing the remains of the national hero.
Palacio Salvo — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Palacio Salvo
This iconic building on Plaza Independencia was once the tallest in South America.
Santos Palace — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Santos Palace
The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, an impressive historic building in Montevideo.
Telecommunications Tower — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Telecommunications Tower
A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.
Legislative Palace — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Legislative Palace
The monumental seat of the General Assembly of Uruguay, known for its neoclassical architecture.

More places

Taranco Palace — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Taranco Palace
A magnificent palace of French architecture in Montevideo, which now houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Lavalleja&#39;s House — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Lavalleja's House
The colonial residence of Juan Antonio Lavalleja, a national hero of Uruguay, which now serves as a museum.
House of Fructuoso Rivera — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
House of Fructuoso Rivera
The former residence of the first president of Uruguay, now an important branch of the National Historical Museum.
Port Market — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Port Market
A historical market hall in Montevideo from 1868 with an impressive iron structure.
Cabildo of Montevideo — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Cabildo of Montevideo
The historic city hall where the first constitution of Uruguay was signed in 1830.
Port of Montevideo — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Port of Montevideo
Uruguay's largest seaport, handling the majority of its foreign trade.
Solís Theatre — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Solís Theatre
The oldest and most important theater in Uruguay, opened in 1856 with classical architecture.
Montevideo Free Port — Taranco Palace (Uruguay)
Montevideo Free Port
A special customs zone within the Port of Montevideo allowing logistics and goods handling without import taxes.