Palacio Taranco facts for kids
The Palacio Taranco is a beautiful old building in the heart of Montevideo, Uruguay. It stands proudly in front of Plaza Zabala. This grand palace was built a long time ago, in the early 1900s. Its design was inspired by famous French buildings. Today, it is home to the Museum of Decorative Arts. The palace is also a special place where the Uruguayan government sometimes holds important meetings.
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The Story of Palacio Taranco
From Theatre to Palace
The land where Palacio Taranco now stands has a long history. Before the palace, Montevideo's very first theatre was built there in 1793. Imagine, a place for plays and shows!
Later, a wealthy family named Taranco Ortiz decided to build their home on this spot. They started building in 1907. The palace was finished just three years later, in 1910.
Becoming a National Treasure
In 1943, the government of Uruguay bought the palace. They also bought some of its beautiful furniture and art. However, it took many years for it to become a public museum.
Finally, in 1972, the Palacio Taranco officially opened as a museum. Just a few years later, in 1975, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important building for the country's history and culture.
Exploring the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts inside Palacio Taranco is full of amazing things. It has many paintings, sculptures, and beautiful fabrics. You can also see old European furniture and ornaments.
Art and Furniture Collections
On the ground floor and first floor, you'll find furniture from the time of French kings Louis XV and Louis XVI. This furniture is very detailed and special.
The museum also displays paintings by famous artists. These include works by Ribera, Teniers, and Sorolla. You can also see sculptures by artists like Benlliure and Landowski.
Ancient Wonders
Down in the basement, the museum has a cool collection of Classical Art and Archaeology. This part of the museum shows items from ancient times. You can see old pottery, glass, and bronze objects. There are also many things related to ancient Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern art.
Textiles and Fragrances
The museum also has a collection of different textiles. These range from beautiful curtains from Persia to large tapestries from Flanders. You can also find old containers for ointments, oils, and perfumes. It's like a trip back in time to see how people lived and what they used!
See also
In Spanish: Palacio Taranco para niños
