Montevideo’s Romantic Museum, aka the Marble Palace

Hugely instagramable, this tiny museum hidden in Montevideo's old town depicts the lifestyle of Uruguay's most affluent at the time of independence.
By Karen A Higgs
Romantic Museum in Montevideo Old Town
Last updated on August 20, 2021
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Hugely instagramable, the tiny Romantic Museum hidden in Montevideo’s old town district depicts the lifestyle of Uruguay’s most affluent two hundred years ago.

A few steps from the capital’s most romantic plaza, Plaza Zabala, also in the old town—or Old City as it is referred to by locals—lies the Museo Romantico—the sumptuous former home of a wealthy merchant.

The Romantic Museum was built in 1831 by José Toribio for Antonio Montero, a rich businessman. Its neoclassical façade is structured on two levels around a large open patio of grey and white marble tiles.

The museum has a stunning collection of furniture, china and even a music room depicting the lifestyle and the social and economic conditions of Montevideo’s upper classes from the 1830s to 1900.

The house was considered one of the most luxurious residences at the time of Uruguayan independence. You won’t be surprised by its nickname—the “Marble Palace”.

There is a library with more than 1500 titles of national and international newspapers and magazines which is open to the public on Saturdays.

In 1962 it became the Romantic Museum.

Like many public museums in Montevideo, it’s sad that there is very little signage to explain the history of what you are seeing. However the museum is charming and worth a visit. Its lovely, serene patio is a very pleasant place to sit in peace and soak up the beauty of Montevideo’s past.

For other museum recommendations, see the Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo.

Contact

http://www.museohistorico.gub.uy
+598 2915 1051
25 de Mayo 428, Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo

No charge to enter.
Lockers are available for belongings.

Museum opening times

Wed-Sunday, from 12 to 6 p.m.

Newspaper library opening times

Sat, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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