Casapueblo
Maldonado
Casapueblo is an extraordinary building located in Punta Ballena, near Punta del Este, Uruguay. Constructed by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, it serves as a museum, art gallery, hotel, and café. The building was initially the artist's summer home and workshop, evolving over 36 years into a sprawling, labyrinthine structure inspired by Mediterranean architecture and the hornero bird's nest. Its whitewashed cement and stucco walls and irregular, curving lines create a sculptural, organic form that captivates visitors. Casapueblo houses tributes to significant events, including a memorial to the artist's son and the survivors of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force plane crash in the Andes. The museum exhibits a diverse collection of Páez Vilaró's works spanning painting, pottery, sculpture, and murals. Visitors can enjoy panoramic Atlantic Ocean views from terraces, relax in the café, and experience the daily Sun Ceremony, where a recorded poem bids farewell to the setting sun. The site also includes accommodation facilities blending harmoniously with the artistic environment, making Casapueblo a cultural landmark and a unique tourist destination.
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Tip: The best time to visit Casapueblo is in the late afternoon to experience the famous Sun Ceremony at sunset. Tickets for the museum can be purchased on-site, but visiting during weekdays or outside peak summer months (December to February) is recommended to avoid crowds. The on-site restaurant offers local cuisine in a setting that complements the building's artistic style. Booking accommodation in advance is advisable during high season.
Interesting facts
- •Casapueblo took 36 years to build, evolving organically without formal architectural plans.
- •The building's design was inspired by the hornero bird's nest, a native Uruguayan bird.
- •It houses a tribute to Carlos Miguel, the artist's son and a survivor of the 1972 Andes plane crash.
- •The daily Sun Ceremony features a recorded poem by the artist dedicated to the setting sun, held every afternoon since 1994.
- •The museum includes exhibition rooms named after notable figures such as Nicolás Guillén and Pablo Picasso.
History
Construction of Casapueblo began in 1958 around a wooden atelier called La Pionera, created by Carlos Páez Vilaró.
Over 36 years, the building was expanded without formal architectural plans, resulting in a maze-like structure with no straight interior lines.
It was inspired by Mediterranean coastal houses and the hornero bird's nest, a symbol of Uruguay.
The building served as the artist's residence and workshop until his death and became a cultural hub hosting prominent figures.
The site evolved to include a museum, art gallery, and hotel, preserving the legacy of Páez Vilaró and commemorating significant events such as the 1972 Andes plane crash survivors.
Place Guide
Main Dome Museum and Workshop
The heart of Casapueblo where visitors can explore the extensive works of Carlos Páez Vilaró, including paintings, pottery, sculptures, murals, and multimedia exhibits.
Sun Ceremony Terrace1994
A terrace offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean where the daily Sun Ceremony takes place, featuring a recorded poem bidding farewell to the sun at sunset.
Hotel Casapueblo and Club Hotel Casapueblo
Accommodation facilities including 20 rooms, suites, and 50 apartments, designed in harmony with the building's artistic style, featuring amenities like a heated pool, sauna, bar, and the restaurant Las Terrazas.
