Un Silencio Bárbaro – BooksOnWall Mural

Did the walls of Montevideo ever speak to you? Here at the Un Silencio Bárbaro – BooksOnWall Mural, they do more than just speak. They sing a story. This captivating mural isn’t just a static image. It’s a gateway to an immersive, augmented reality experience. Un Silencio Bárbaro, which translates to “A Barbarous Silence,” is a tale woven across 17 murals and art installations throughout Montevideo’s Palermo neighborhood. The Un Silencio Bárbaro – BooksOnWall Mural project blends street art, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology. It began in 2019 and was relaunched in 2022. It’s a unique way to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Palermo. Download the BooksOnWall app, and let your phone be your guide. Point your camera at the mural, put on your headphones, and prepare to be transported. The story unfolds as you walk, each mural a new page in this urban storybook. The tale follows the children of Palermo as they wake one morning to an eerie silence. All the sounds of their beloved neighborhood have vanished. They embark on a quest to recover the lost sounds, from the whispers of nature to the rhythm of conversations, the beat of drums, and the melodies of music. The Un Silencio Bárbaro – BooksOnWall Mural experience is a journey through the heart of Palermo. You’ll walk about five blocks, tracing the steps of the children in the story. The whole experience takes roughly an hour. It connects you to the neighborhood’s artistic spirit, its musical roots, and the enduring presence of candombe. Palermo, once a haven for immigrants and Afro-Uruguayans after the abolition of slavery, pulses with a distinct identity. This story captures that essence. Un Silencio Bárbaro – BooksOnWall Mural is more than a mural. It’s a living story, waiting to be discovered.