A short ten-minute drive from Punta del Este, the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation occupies thirty hectares of Uruguayan hillside where monumental sculpture and landscape enter into dialogue. Founded in 2007 by sculptor Pablo Atchugarry, it combines workshops, exhibition galleries, sculpture park and cultural programming in the countryside around Maldonado.

Why visit the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation

The site stands out for its scale and coherence. Across thirty hectares of rolling terrain, monumental sculptures—in marble, bronze, steel or wood—are arranged throughout a park designed as an artistic promenade. You'll encounter works by Pablo Atchugarry himself, as well as by invited international sculptors.

The foundation's other appeal lies in its living dimension: this is not a static museum, but an active institution with the founder's sculpture studio still in operation, regularly refreshed exhibitions and a musical programme during the summer season. Access to the park and activities is announced as free, making it a rare gem in South America's cultural landscape.

The foundation's origins

Pablo Atchugarry, born in Montevideo in 1954, is one of Uruguay's most internationally recognised sculptors, particularly known for his work with Carrara marble. Based between Italy and Uruguay, he founded this non-profit institution in 2007 on his land in Manantiales, in the Maldonado department.

The initial vision was twofold: to create a space for production and dissemination for Uruguayan and foreign artists, and to restore to the territory a cultural venue that was open and free to all. The foundation is today directed by Silvana Neme and Piero Atchugarry, the latter also known as a gallerist. The project has expanded over the years, incorporating a sculpture park, artist residencies and a strong educational dimension.

What to see and do

The sculpture park

The thirty-hectare park forms the heart of any visit. Works are installed along pathways that follow the natural terrain, with carefully framed views over lakes and vegetation. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours to explore the entire park at a leisurely pace.

Interior spaces

• Three exhibition galleries dedicated to Uruguayan and international artists, with regularly updated programming.
• A permanent collection including works by Pablo Atchugarry, which allows you to trace the evolution of his practice.
• The founder's sculpture studio, visible on the site.
• An auditorium hosting concerts, screenings and lectures.
• An open-air stage used for summer events.
• A teaching space where courses in sculpture, painting, drawing and ceramics are organised.
• An on-site restaurant to extend your visit.

Cultural events

• The "Music between Art and Nature" festival, held in summer, features concerts of popular and lyrical music at sunset throughout the park.
• The National Biennial of Young Creators, organised every two years, showcases the emerging generation of Uruguayan artists.
• Temporary exhibitions and educational workshops punctuate the season.

Practical information

• Address: Route 104, Km 4.5, Maldonado, near Punta del Este.
• Admission: free entry announced for the park and many activities. Some workshops or special events may be exceptions: check the programme before visiting.
• Facilities: large car park, helipad, restaurant.
• Recommended visit duration: 2 to 3 hours, longer if there is a major event or exhibition.

Before you go, consult the online calendar: the programming significantly influences the experience, particularly during peak season.

When to visit

The site is open year-round, but Southern Hemisphere spring and summer, from October to March, remain the most favourable periods. The vegetation is lush, the light enhances outdoor sculptures, and cultural programming is in full swing, particularly between December and February.

To avoid the crowds of Punta del Este's peak tourism season, choose mornings or weekdays. Late afternoon offers striking raking light for photographing outdoor works.

Getting there

The foundation is located on Route 104, roughly 10 km north of Punta del Este and about ten kilometres from Maldonado as well. As the site is not in the town centre, access is primarily by car (easy to rent from Montevideo or Punta del Este).

From Montevideo, expect approximately 1.5 hours' drive via the Interbalnearia Route (IB). From Punta del Este, fifteen minutes is sufficient. In the absence of direct public transport to the site, a taxi or ride-sharing service remains the most straightforward alternative if you're not driving.

Things to combine in the region

The visit fits well into a circuit around Punta del Este and Maldonado. A few kilometres away, Casapueblo, the house-sculpture by Carlos Páez Vilaró, extends the dialogue between architecture and art. The Lussich Arboretum offers another reading of landscape, this time botanical. Further west, Aaron de Anchorena National Park provides a grand natural escape. For Montevideo culture, the Carlos Gardel Museum completes the picture.

Plan your journey

To integrate the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation into a broader itinerary blending the Atlantic coast, vineyards and Montevideo, consult our suggestions for travel in Uruguay.