Museo de Historia del Arte — Attraction in Montevideo

The Museo de Historia del Arte (MuHAr) is a hidden cultural gem located in the west wing of the Intendencia building, right in the heart of Montevideo. Entry is free for everyone, and visitors are welcome to explore two underground levels filled with beautifully curated collections from across human history.

The museum showcases high-quality reproductions and original artifacts from Prehistoric times, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Classical Greece and Rome, as well as Islamic, African, and Asian civilizations. One of the most striking features is a real Egyptian mummy of a priestess named Esoeris, displayed in a specially designed crypt.

The second level focuses on Pre-Columbian cultures, including archaeological pieces from Uruguay and an important collection of African art. The galleries are modern and spacious, and the atmosphere is calm — perfect for slow, reflective exploration.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, MuHAr offers temporary exhibits, educational workshops, and a small research library and archive that supports students and researchers in history, archaeology, and art.

The museum is fully accessible, with elevators, lockers, and QR codes throughout the galleries. Guided tours are available on Saturdays at 4 PM by prior request.

Whether you’re a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, or just looking for something inspiring and peaceful to do in the city, this museum is absolutely...

This museum has a lot of reproductions which are fun to see - like walking through an art history textbook, but it also has some real treasures, which for me were the African art including an incredible array of masks, and many of the pre-European arts of the Americas, both of which are in the basement. I suggest getting to the basement quick enough to make sure you have enough time, then to go back for the rest as...

It was a fantastic visit, yes, there are some reproductions, but it’s precious anyway and it’s all in the same place. There are some real things too, very interesting, about the people that were here in this county before the Europeans arrived, it is a beautiful place to visit if you are visiting the city, there are so many things to see, and it’s free, so you don’t need to...