The Montevideo Cabildo (Cabildo de Montevideo) is an important Spanish-era landmark in Montevideo’s atmospheric Old Town. Its striking façade adds architectural beauty to the leafy Constitution Square. Montevideo Cabildo dates back to the early 1800s and has since served as a city hall, courthouse and prison. Today, visit the Cabildo Historical Museum (Museo Historico Cabildo) occupying the site.
Take a moment to appreciate the building’s neoclassical design, symmetrical façade and Greek-style pilasters. It’s the creation of Spanish-architect Tomás Toribio, who also built the 18th-century Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral. Step inside to an open-air courtyard surrounded by a two-level arcade. In 1830, Uruguay’s first constitution was endorsed here, signaling the end of almost two decades of independence struggles.
The Cabildo Historical Museum opened in 1958. Its exhibits spread across a selection of the building’s rooms. Find permanent displays of artwork, ceramics, clothing, furniture and textiles, among other objects. Together they help to showcase the evolution, lifestyle and traditions of Montevideo. Investigate the temporary exhibits, which celebrate aspects of Latin American culture in addition to the work of national and international artists.
At the Montevideo Cabildo, attend concerts and poetry readings. Enjoy performances by brass bands, cuarteto bands and electronic orchestras. Watch recitals of works by great composers, such as Johannes Brahms and Ludwig van Beethoven. Have some family-friendly fun at puppet shows.
Located on Constitution Square, the Montevideo Cabildo is within a short walk from other major city attractions. On the opposite side of the square, visit the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral. Also close are the Andes 1972 Museum, Port Market and Solís Theater. Several public buses stop at nearby Independence Square, as does a hop-on hop-off tourist bus.
The building and museum are open from Monday to Saturday. Admission to the building, events and exhibitions is free. Visit the museum’s official website for additional information.
