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Tango Museum in Montevideo

Museo del Tango
When you listen to La Cumparsita, you probably will identify it with Argentine tango. But it was composed and first played here in Montevideo in this approximate spot where La Giralda Café and Confectionery once stood. Now it’s part of the iconic Palacio Salvo on Plaza de Independencia in the center of the city. (Link to music video and tango below.)

Gerardo Matos Rodriguez
The inscription behind Rodriguez reads as follows:
“On April 19, 1917, the most famous Tango of all times ‘La Cumparsita’ was played for the first time in this precise spot. Masterpiece of the great Uruguayan composer, Gerardo Matos Rodriguez.”

This was the piano where Rodriguez first played La Cumparsita.

Sheet Music for La Cumparsita
Listen to the music here and watch tango dancers perform to La Cumparsita: https://youtu.be/19hOIdOw77w?feature=shared

Photograph of La Giralda Café and Confectionery, 1917
Notice that there are only men in La Giralda as women were not allowed here. Also note that most of the men are wearing fedora hats. There are many reasons why fedora hats were popular in Uruguay in the early 20th century. It was introduced in France and became a hit there after it was associated with a popular character from the play, Fedora. The hat is stylish and elegant. It’s not surprising that men across the pond embraced the fedora as well.

Vintage collection of Fedora hats

Memorabilia from La Giralda with records of La Cumparsita


Tables covered with posters, photographs and letters


Tableware from the former La Giralda Café

Gramophone Horn

How to get there:
Plaza Independencia 846, Palacio Salvo 
The tour of Palacio Salvo includes the Museum. It’s worth a visit. There’s an entrance fee. 
*This is a late post.

Palacio Salvo
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Images by TravelswithCharie





 

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Location: Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay

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