Casa de Fructuoso Rivera (House of Fructuoso Rivera), Montevideo

The House of Fructuoso Rivera (Casa de Fructuoso Rivera), situated in Montevideo, serves as the principal headquarters of the National Historical Museum of Uruguay. This historic building is named after General Fructuoso Rivera, Uruguay’s first constitutional president, who owned it between 1834 and 1849. The building is crucial for the museum, housing its main offices, administrative areas, and a permanent exhibition that spans the historical narrative from Uruguay’s independence to the early 20th century. The exhibition also includes traveling displays pertinent to the museum's focus.

The construction of the house began around 1800, initially owned by councilor and merchant Cristóbal Salvañach. By the mid-19th century, the property underwent major renovations, which included the addition of a second level and the distinctive octagonal bay window, becoming one of the building's standout features today.

After changing hands several times, including a period under the ownership of the Banco de Seguros del Estado, the building transitioned from a residential space to one holding administrative activities. In July 1940, under the direction of Juan Pivel Devoto, the building was designated as the headquarters of the National Historical Museum. Further architectural interventions were led by General Alfredo R. Campos along with architects Ítalo Dighiero and Beltrán Arbeleche to accommodate its new role.

Today, the House of Fructuoso Rivera invites visitors to explore the political and social history of Uruguay, enriched with objects from various historical figures and an extensive art collection that focuses on historical themes. This journey not only reflects the political history until the 1904 revolution but also the deeply personal and societal stories encapsulated within the walls of this significant building.