Rio de Janeiro Museums

(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

As people might expect, Rio de Janeiro is a deeply cultural city and the number of museums found here reflect this fact. The history of Rio de Janeiro is long and detailed and there are many remnants of the city's past found throughout the city.

Some of the most popular include the Rio de Janeiro National Museum (Museu Nacional) and also the National History Museum (Museu Histórico Nacional), both of which contain enormous collections and a wealth of fascinating exhibits. The Carmen Miranda is certainly a must for anyone who loves glamour.

Museu Carmen Miranda (Carmen Miranda Museum)

Address: Avenida Rui Barbosa 560, Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 212 551 2597
Carmen Miranda was a famous Brazilian singer who made her mark on Hollywood. She died aged 46 in 1955 and has since become a cult figure for the gay and lesbian community in the city. The museum dedicated to her showcases photographs, costumes, jewellery and videos of Carmen.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museu Histórico Nacional (National History Museum)

Address: Praca Marechal Ancora, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 212 550 9224
As with most national history museums, Rio de Janeiro's is very popular with children. On display here you will find fascinating relics dating back thousands of years alongside religious art, war memorabilia and other items from Brazil's past. It is a wonderful insight into Brazil and its people in days gone by and is a must for history lovers, as well as families, due to the interactive displays and educational material.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:30, Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museu da República (Museum of the Republic / Brazilian Republic Museum)

Address: Rua do Catete 153, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 213 235 2650
The Museu da República is located within the beautifully restored mid-19th century Palácio do Catete, which once served as the official residence of Brazilian presidents, from 1896 to 1954. Inside this grand Baroque-styled palace is an extensive collection of antiques and period furniture, along with art works, a theatre and even a popular restaurant, which enjoys an especially scenic setting overlooking the landscaped gardens. The exhibits span three floors and aim to educate visitors on the history of the politics of Brazil, while the well-designed gardens are certainly worth exploring, as they boast a quaint little coffee shop and a small folklore museum. Guided tours of the exhibits are available in English if required.
Open hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - 12:00 to 17:00, Wednesday - 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museu Nacional (National Museum)

Address: Quinta da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 212 568 8262
Rio's National Museum boasts a number of artefacts which date back centuries. Showpieces include coins, cannons and religious art. The museum itself is housed in a pink Baroque palace which was once home to the Brazilian monarchy. Many of the items on display were once a part of the personal collections of Emperor Pedro II and Empress Teresa, who were keen botanists and archaeologists.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Amsterdam Sauer Museum

Address: 105 Rua Garcia d'Avila, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 212 512 1132
The Amsterdam Sauer Museum is a particularly unique attraction and resides within the city's Ipanema district, where it offers the opportunity to see a huge number of valuable gemstones and diamonds. Currently one of the biggest collections of its kind in the whole of Brazil, highlights include everything from emeralds and rubies, to Brazilian opals and imperial topaz. Also of interest are the scale models of Brazilian mines, such as those of Cruzeiro and Santa Terezinha, where a number of the actual exhibits were discovered.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:30 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Museu Casa de Benjamin Constant

Address: Rua Monte Alegre 255, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 215 091 248
One attraction that is likely to appeal to historic lovers wishing to learn more about Brazil's rich heritage, the Museu Casa de Benjamin Constant is housed within the actual home of positivist and political thinker Benjamin Constant (1836 to 1891), who is considered to be one of the actual founders of the Brazilian Republic of today. The building itself dates from 1860 and is filled with various antiquities and period furnishings, as well as documents, photographs, paintings and other former belongings. Look out for the excellent views of Guanabara Bay and the well-kept gardens.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge