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Museum · Montevidéu, Montevidéu
Museo del Carnaval
Museum facing the port, next to the Mercado del Puerto, about the Uruguayan Carnival: murga costumes, candombe drums, masks, photos and recordings spanning more than a century of celebration.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museo del Carnaval
The Museo del Carnaval was inaugurated in 2006 in former warehouses on Rambla 25 de Agosto, facing the port and next to the Mercado del Puerto. It preserves and displays objects and traditions of Uruguay's main popular festival.
Montevideo's Carnival usually takes place between January and March and has its own forms. The museum presents the categories that compete on stages, called tablados: murgas, parodistas, humoristas, revistas and lubolos.
An important section is devoted to candombe, a drum rhythm of African origin linked to the neighborhoods Sur, Palermo and Cordón and recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2009. There are photos of the Llamadas, the drum parades, and examples of the three drums: chico, repique and piano.
The rooms gather costumes with sequins and embroidery, masks, photographs and recordings, and a reproduction of the façade of the Conventillo Medio Mundo, a historic tenement of the candombe. Behind the museum there is a café and a courtyard used for performances in summer.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1h30.
Best time
Any time of year. In summer, the courtyard may host performances; check the museum's schedule.
How to get there
It is on Rambla 25 de Agosto, at the corner with Maciel street, in Ciudad Vieja, facing the port and next to the Mercado del Puerto.
Tip
Visit before or after lunch at the Mercado del Puerto. Outside the Carnival season, the museum is the most complete way to learn about the festival.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo del Carnaval
When does the Montevidéu Carnival take place?
It usually takes place between January and March, with performances on the tablados and parades. Dates change each year: check the schedule.
What is the murga?
It's one of the genres of Uruguayan Carnival: a chorus with bass drum, cymbal and snare that performs social criticism and humor on stage, with striking costumes and makeup.
What is candombe?
A drum rhythm of African origin, played in the streets of the Sur, Palermo and Cordón neighborhoods. It was recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2009.
Where is the Museo del Carnaval?
On Rambla 25 de Agosto, in the Ciudad Vieja, next to the Mercado del Puerto and facing the port.