El Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales (National Museum Of Visual Arts), Montevideo

The National Museum of Visual Arts in Montevideo is a cornerstone of the nation's cultural heritage and a premier institution for the visual arts. Located in the picturesque Parque Rodó, the museum was officially inaugurated on December 10, 1911. Originally established as the Museum of Fine Arts, it has undergone several significant transformations, including relocation and renovations, to enhance its capabilities and outreach.

Today, the museum boasts the largest public collection of paintings and sculptures in Uruguay, including an impressive array of foreign art. It is home to approximately 6,500 works, primarily from Uruguayan artists such as Rafael Barradas, Juan Manuel Blanes, José Cuneo, Pedro Figari, María Freire, and Joaquín Torres García. This collection notably features a selection of works by notable female artists, although they represent only 22% of the total collection. The museum also houses significant works by international artists like Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and Goya.

The museum's mission is multifaceted, focusing on the dissemination, preservation, research, and promotion of both plastic and visual culture. It aims to document and explore the evolution of national art and its history. This is achieved not only through its permanent exhibitions but also through numerous temporary exhibitions that showcase both national and foreign artists.

In addition to its primary exhibitions, the museum's building itself, with reforms led by Argentine architect Clorindo Testa in the 1970s and later enhancements by landscape designer Leandro Silva Delgado and architect Fernando Fabiano in the 1990s, reflects its commitment to aesthetic and functional excellence. The museum also features a beautifully designed front garden, enhancing the overall visitor experience.