Palacio Taranco. Museo de Artes Decorativas (Taranco Palace. Museum of Decorative Arts), Montevideo

Taranco Palace, located in the heart of Montevideo, now serves as the National Museum of Decorative Arts, showcasing an exquisite collection that epitomizes the Belle époque period. Constructed between 1907 and 1910 by French architects Charles Louis Girault and Jules León Chifflot, the palace was originally a family residence for the Ortiz de Taranco brothers—Félix, José, and Hermenegildo. Designed with luxurious European elements, the building reflects the grandeur of that era through its meticulous architecture and interior design.

The Ortiz de Taranco family inhabited the palace until 1940, after which the property was sold to the Uruguayan government and transformed into a museum in 1972. This museum not only displays the family's vast collection of furniture, paintings, and sculptures but also maintains the original residential ambiance, offering visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated lifestyles of its former occupants.

Key features of the palace include Versailles-style oak flooring, Genoa marble colonnades, and Languedoc marble staircase guards. The interiors are adorned with exquisite boiseries, coffered ceilings, and stained glass, all curated by Maison Krieger of Paris. The dining room proudly displays seven specially commissioned Aubusson tapestries framed in gold, complementing the luxurious decor.

The Taranco Palace boasts a rich collection of European fine arts, including works by notable artists like Ribera, Ghirlandaio, Teniers, Velázquez, and Sorolla. It features significant sculptures, highlighted by a large marble piece by Benlliure, and an array of decorative items such as Baccarat crystal, Sèvres porcelain, and European bronzes. Noteworthy is a 3 x 5-meter silk reproduction of Velázquez's "The Surrender of Breda," made by the Royal Tapestry Factory of Madrid. The museum also offers a diverse archaeological collection of Greco-Roman, Iranian, and Egyptian artifacts.

Taranco Palace, besides its permanent displays, features temporary exhibitions and cultural events in its indoor areas and beautiful garden, serving as a center for celebrating and preserving Belle époque decorative arts and more.