The year is 1949. The prestigious Sindicato Médico del Uruguay has just launched a competition. This competition is for the design of their new Sanatorio Social and headquarters. It is a coveted project, drawing the attention of Uruguay’s most talented architects. Standing here, before the Sanatorio Dr. Carlos María Fosalba, we see the winning design. It was a collaboration of architects A. Altamirano, F. Villegas, and J. Mieres.
The Sanatorio Dr. Carlos María Fosalba, named in honor of the esteemed Dr. Carlos María Fosalba Arroyo, is more than just a building. It represents a pivotal moment in Uruguayan healthcare. Dr. Fosalba, a driving force behind the establishment of the Centro Asistencial del Sindicato Médico del Uruguay (CASMU) in 1935, was a man of many talents. He was a distinguished physician, a respected professor at the Faculty of Medicine, and a gifted journalist and essayist. His legacy is interwoven with the very fabric of Uruguayan medical history.
Step inside, and you’ll discover a treasure. A captivating mural titled “Universal,” crafted in 1954 by the renowned artist Augusto Torres García and his students. This masterpiece, created using the intricate technique of Venetian mosaic, isn’t just art. It’s a testament to the Sanatorio Dr. Carlos María Fosalba’s commitment to intertwining healing and artistry. In 1998, this architectural gem earned its rightful place in history when it was declared a Monumento Histórico Nacional.