Museo del Carnaval is a compact museum in Montevideo’s old port area, next to Mercado del Puerto, devoted to Uruguay’s Carnival traditions. Costumes, masks, drums, photographs and recordings trace the celebration’s history, including the parades known as Las Llamadas. The displays are largely visual, so you can still get a sense of the festival if you do not read Spanish. An outdoor stage hosts Carnival shows and cultural performances; check what is scheduled if you want to see music as well as exhibits.
Costumes and Carnival records
Museo del Carnaval documents the music, dress and public celebrations that shape Carnival in Montevideo. Its displays bring together costumes, masks, drums, photographs and other memorabilia, with material spanning more than a century of festivities.
The exhibits include parallel halls: one is devoted to Carnival costumes, while another uses a large screen to show scenes from past celebrations alongside older photographs. Video and audio recordings offer another way to encounter the parades, including Las Llamadas.
A year-round look at the festival
Montevideo’s Carnival runs from January into March, with celebrations described as lasting around 40 days. The museum gives context to the event outside the festival period, following the evolution of its processions and performance traditions through images and objects.
The displays are primarily in Spanish. Their costumes, photographs and recordings still provide a visual introduction if you do not read the exhibition text. Guides in multiple languages may be available at the entrance; ask there when you arrive.
Performances at the museum
At the rear of the museum, an outdoor stage with seating is used for Carnival shows and cultural performances. A live event can add music to a visit focused on the collection, but performances are not part of every museum visit, so check what is scheduled before you go.
The museum is beside Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo’s old port area. Its compact size makes it possible to visit the displays before continuing to the market.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at Museo del Carnaval?
Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to explore the collection.
Are the displays in English?
The exhibition signage is primarily in Spanish. Guides in multiple languages may be available at the entrance.
Can you see a live show at Museo del Carnaval?
The museum has an outdoor stage used for Carnival shows and cultural performances. Check what is scheduled for your visit.
When is Carnival in Montevideo?
The celebrations run from January into March.
