The best museums in Uruguay in December 2023

These are the top 50 best museums in Uruguay, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Uruguay, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Uruguay.

Looking for the best museums in Uruguay? These are the best ones:

  1. National Museum of Visual Arts1

    National Museum of Visual Arts

    Montevideo
    The National Museum of Visual Arts in Montevideo, Uruguay, is home to the country's largest public collection of painting and sculpture. It also boasts a significant selection of foreign art. This makes it a prime destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a comprehensive look at Uruguay's rich artistic heritage and a glimpse into the works of international artists.
  2. Romantic Museum2

    Romantic Museum

    Montevideo
    If you want to get to know Uruguayan history, visit this museum! It consists of several houses scattered around the city.
  3. Hill Fort3

    Hill Fort

    Montevideo
    La Fortaleza General Artigas, also known as Fortaleza del Cerro, is an old military fortress located in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The fortress is situated on a hill overlooking the bay of Montevideo, offering visitors a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The fortress is a significant historical site, reflecting the military history of Uruguay.
  4. Montevideo Cannabis Museum4

    Montevideo Cannabis Museum

    Montevideo
    The Montevideo Cannabis Museum, which opened its doors in December 2016, was inspired by the legalization of cannabis in Uruguay in 2013. This historical event marked a significant shift in the country's approach to cannabis, making Uruguay the first country in the world to fully legalize the plant. The museum serves as a testament to this groundbreaking legislation and offers visitors a unique insight into the history and culture of cannabis in Uruguay.
  5. Maritime Museum of Montevideo5

    Maritime Museum of Montevideo

    Montevideo
    The Maritime Museum of Montevideo, also known as the Naval Museum, is an institution under the National Navy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. It is situated in the Pocitos neighborhood of Montevideo, a vibrant area known for its beach and high-rise apartments. The museum's location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  6. Torres García Museum6

    Torres García Museum

    Montevideo
    The Torres García Museum is situated in the heart of Montevideo, Uruguay, specifically at Peatonal Sarandí 683, Barrio Ciudad Vieja. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other attractions, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  7. 7

    Tile Museum

    Colonia del Sacramento
    An unusual museum housed in an old home. Both French and Spanish old tiles can be seen here.
  8. Ralli Museum Punta del Este8

    Ralli Museum Punta del Este

    Punta Del Este
    Situated in the Beverly Hills of Punta del Este, there is a museum which hosts a permanent exhibition of contemporary Latin-Americana art.
  9. Francisco Piria Castle9

    Francisco Piria Castle

    Piriápolis
    The Francisco Piria Castle, located near the city of Piriápolis in the Maldonado department of southeastern Uruguay, was originally built as a private residence for Francisco Piria. Piria was a renowned Uruguayan businessman, best known for creating the resort town of Piriápolis. The castle now serves as a museum and is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year.
  10. Carnival Museum10

    Carnival Museum

    Montevideo
    El Museo del Carnaval, a Uruguayan museum, is situated at Rambla 25 de agosto de 1825 Nº 218, corner Maciel. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of Uruguay's carnival traditions.
  11. Museo Zoológico Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga11

    Museo Zoológico Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga

    Montevideo
    The Museo Zoológico Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga, also known as the Oceanographic Museum, is a zoological museum located in Montevideo. The museum is named after Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga, a renowned Uruguayan naturalist. This museum is a significant place for those interested in zoology and the natural history of Uruguay.
  12. Museum of Decorative Arts12

    Museum of Decorative Arts

    Montevideo
  13. Andes Museum 197213

    Andes Museum 1972

    Montevideo
    The Andes Museum 1972 is situated in the Old City of Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. This location is easily accessible and offers tourists the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the city while visiting the museum.
  14. Montevideo Cabildo14

    Montevideo Cabildo

    Montevideo
    During the colonial period, the building functioned as the Montevideo Cabildo and Royal Prisons. A significant event in the history of Uruguay took place within its walls when the first Constitution of the Republic was sworn in one of its rooms on July 18, 1830. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards independence and democracy.
  15. Government House Museum15

    Government House Museum

    Montevideo
    The Government House Museum in Montevideo is a unique institution dedicated to the history of Uruguay's heads of state and their respective governments. It is a repository of the country's democratic history, offering visitors a chance to delve into the political past of Uruguay. The museum houses a variety of collections that pay tribute to the country's democracy through the lives and works of its presidents.
  16. Parque Lecocq16

    Parque Lecocq

    Montevideo
    El Parque Lecocq is a zoo and conservation center located 19.5 kilometers from the center of Montevideo, Uruguay. It covers an area of 120 hectares and is adjacent to the Protected Area of the Santa Lucía Wetlands. The park is home to a variety of animal and plant species, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse wildlife and vegetation.
  17. Museum of Juan Zorrilla of San Martin17

    Museum of Juan Zorrilla of San Martin

    Montevideo
    The Zorrilla Museum is situated in the former summer house of the renowned poet Juan Zorrilla de San Martín. This historic building is nestled in the Punta Carretas neighborhood of Montevideo, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the poet.
  18. Museum of History of Art18

    Museum of History of Art

    Montevideo
    The Museum of History of Art is a didactic museum that is situated in the west wing of the Municipal Palace, right in the heart of Montevideo. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city center.
  19. Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art Museum19

    Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art Museum

    Montevideo
    The museum seated in nice building presents the artworks of pre-Columbian and native people. There are also temporary exhibitions.
  20. Museo del Gaucho - BROU20

    Museo del Gaucho - BROU

    Montevideo
    The Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda is a museum in Uruguay that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the country's cultural and historical heritage. It was established by the Directorio del Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay and is located in the Palacio Jackson, a three-story mansion that the Banco República acquired from the Peirano succession.
  21. Casa de Fructuoso Rivera (Museo Histórico Nacional)21

    Casa de Fructuoso Rivera (Museo Histórico Nacional)

    Montevideo
    Originally, the Casa de Rivera was designed as the residence of the city councilor Cristóbal Salvañach. It was later inhabited by General Rivera from 1834 to 1849. Today, this historical building houses the Museo Histórico Nacional. The museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Uruguay, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in learning more about the country's past.
  22. Reserva de Flora y Fauna Dr. Rodolfo Tálice22

    Reserva de Flora y Fauna Dr. Rodolfo Tálice

    Trinidad
  23. 23

    Acuario Colonia

    Colonia del Sacramento
  24. Lussich Arboretum24

    Lussich Arboretum

    Los Corchos
    The Lussich Arboretum is a sprawling 192-hectare arboretum situated in the Maldonado department of Uruguay. This vast green space is home to a diverse range of plant species, making it a unique destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts alike.
  25. Museo de la Memoria (Uruguay)25

    Museo de la Memoria (Uruguay)

    Montevideo
  26. National Museum of Anthropology26

    National Museum of Anthropology

    Montevideo
    This museum collects artefacts from various subject areas - natural science, anthropology, ethnography and archaeology.
  27. 27

    Museo del Humor Interactivo

    Colonia del Sacramento
  28. Reserva de Fauna y Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar28

    Reserva de Fauna y Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar

    Piriápolis
    La Estación de cría y fauna autóctona Cerro Pan de Azúcar is a nature park and zoo situated near the coastal city of Piriápolis in the Department of Maldonado, in southeastern Uruguay. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the coastal city and offers a unique opportunity to explore the local fauna in a natural setting.
  29. Gurvich Museum29

    Gurvich Museum

    Montevideo
    Established by a non-profit foundation, this museum collects and exhibits works of the famous Uruguayan artist.
  30. Football Museum30

    Football Museum

    Montevideo
    The Uruguayan Football Museum is situated in the Parque Batlle area of Montevideo, beneath the Olympic Stand of the Centenario Stadium. This stadium holds historical significance as it was the venue for the first World Cup in 1930. This location adds to the rich history and cultural significance of the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in football history.
  31. Spanish Museum31

    Spanish Museum

    Colonia del Sacramento
    Devoted to the Spanish legacy of the city. Replicas of clothing, pottery, maps and other memorabilia are what you can see here.
  32. Museum of Sea32

    Museum of Sea

    El Tesoro
    El Museo del Mar, located in El Tesoro, Maldonado, Uruguay, is a natural history museum that offers a unique insight into marine life. It is a place where visitors can explore the rich biodiversity of the ocean, learn about the history of marine exploration, and appreciate the beauty of marine creatures.
  33. Figari Museum33

    Figari Museum

    Montevideo
    This museum's aim is to collect and preserve the artwork of Pedro Figari, who was a politician, journalist, painter and poet.
  34. 34

    La Azotea de Haedo

    Punta Del Este
  35. Reserva de Fauna Carmelo35

    Reserva de Fauna Carmelo

    Carmelo
  36. 36

    Museo de Colonia

    Colonia del Sacramento
  37. Museo Casa Villamajó37

    Museo Casa Villamajó

    Montevideo
    The Vilamajó House Museum is a unique attraction in Montevideo, Uruguay. It is situated in the house that was built by the architect Julio Vilamajó for his family in 1930. This house holds the distinction of being the first modern dwelling in Uruguay to be converted into a museum. This museum offers a unique insight into the life and work of Vilamajó, as well as the architectural and design trends of his time.
  38. Cultural Centre and Memorial Museum38

    Cultural Centre and Memorial Museum

    Montevideo
    This museum also serves as information centre. It tells the history of dictatorship and military in Uruguay and cares about human rights.
  39. 39

    Museo Naval

    Colonia del Sacramento
  40. Museo - Taller de Casapueblo40

    Museo - Taller de Casapueblo

    Punta Ballena
  41. 41

    Historical Regional Archive

    Colonia del Sacramento
  42. Museum of Man and Technology42

    Museum of Man and Technology

    Salto
    The Museum of Man and Technology, named after Architect Néstor J. Minutti, is situated on Brasil Street and Zorrilla de San Martín, in the department of Salto, Uruguay. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for exploring the museum's exhibits.
  43. Casa de Juan Antonio Lavalleja43

    Casa de Juan Antonio Lavalleja

    Montevideo
    The Casa del General Juan Antonio Lavalleja, located on Zabala Street 1469, between 25 de Mayo and Cerrito, in the Old City of Montevideo, is one of the branches of the National Historical Museum. This location is easily accessible and is situated in a historical part of the city, making it a convenient and interesting destination for tourists.
  44. Museo Figari44

    Museo Figari

    Montevideo
    The Museo Figari is situated at Juan Carlos Gómez 1427, in the Barrio Ciudad Vieja in Montevideo, Uruguay. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other cultural and historical sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  45. Numismatic Museum45

    Numismatic Museum

    Montevideo
    The Central Bank of Uruguay has the exclusive responsibility of issuing banknotes, minting coins, and withdrawing circulation of banknotes and coins throughout the territory of the Republic. This is in accordance with the provisions of numeral 10 of Article 85 of the Republic's Constitution.
  46. Contemporary Art Space46

    Contemporary Art Space

    Montevideo
  47. Tile Museum47

    Tile Museum

    Montevideo
    This is an unusual museum presenting a collection of ceramic tiles with various patterns. There are more than 3000 various pieces.
  48. Zoological Museum48

    Zoological Museum

    Montevideo
    The museum's aim is to collect species of animals, mainly the endangered ones. It also does research on them.
  49. Municipal Museum49

    Municipal Museum

    Colonia del Sacramento
    The colonial building houses a collection of items mostly related to social life in the past centuries.
  50. Ateneo de Montevideo50

    Ateneo de Montevideo

    Montevideo

All museums in Uruguay