MERCOSUR Building
A Place with History
“This aristocratic venue is enjoying a period of splendor. It hosts a large and select group of families from Buenos Aires who bring life to the hotel and add the prestige of their ‘savoir faire.’ The appeal of the sumptuous hotel has grown with the arrival of Carnival. A favorite setting for social events, it celebrates Momo with lively festivities, making use of its prestige and the versatility of a venue perfectly suited for such expressions. From its earliest days, the ‘Parque Hotel’ has symbolized the pinnacle of high society in our community. Though brief, its history is marked by events steeped in refinement and distinction; in recognition of this, the country’s elite have made it their preferred gathering place. These events were favored by the presence and contributions of the most prominent members of society.”¹
With a shift in the political landscape and growing state intervention in sectors of the economy previously reserved for private actors, the Municipality of Montevideo acquired the Parque Hotel in 1915.
“From that moment onward, countless events have shaped its history. These include: the death of Mexican poet and ambassador Amado Nervo in Room No. 116 (1926); early discussions that led to democratic opening (1983); and the celebrations marking the presidential inaugurations of Julio María Sanguinetti (1985) and Luis Alberto Lacalle (1990), which took place in its halls.” ²
¹ Anales Mundanos, Montevideo, 1917, No. XVI
² Source: MERCOSUR at the Parque Hotel in Montevideo – CONPAT 99
Origins
The site where the MERCOSUR Building stands was once known as “La Estanzuela.” At the time, it was largely uninhabited and characterized by the facilities of the Ramírez meat-salting plant, quarrying activity, and the presence of numerous laundresses who gathered to work, drawn by the abundance of streams and water wells.
Starting in the second half of the 19th century, when sea bathing became fashionable, the area began attracting excursionists, leading to a transformation of its landscape through the development of various seaside projects.
In 1909, the “Parque Hotel” was inaugurated. Conceived as part of the broader urban design for the surrounding Parque Rodó, the building was designed by French architect Pierre Lorenzi and brought to life under the direction of architect Guillermo West.
Source:
Candidacy Dossier of the MERCOSUR Secretariat Headquarters Building
Image Gallery
Headquarters of the MERCOSUR Secretariat
On June 4, 1997, the Municipality of Montevideo—the owner of the property—signed an agreement granting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the right to use the Parque Hotel building, its facilities, and gardens to house the MERCOSUR Secretariat and other international institutions.
National Historic Landmark of Uruguay and MERCOSUR Cultural Heritage
Under Heritage Law No. 14.040, the Parque Hotel building was declared a Historic Landmark by the President of the Republic—the highest designation granted by the Uruguayan State to real estate property.
(Executive Resolution No. 2100 of December 16, 1975)
Visits to the MERCOSUR Building
Each year, the MERCOSUR Secretariat receives visits from institutions interested in touring the “MERCOSUR Building” and learning more about MERCOSUR.
Academic visits to the Secretariat are organized by the MERCOSUR Communication and Information Unit (UCIM), with support from the Technical Advisory Sector (SAT) and the FOCEM Technical Unit (UTF), depending on the topic. These visits include a presentation on issues related to MERCOSUR.
