National Historical Museum
The National Historical Museum (Museu Historico Nacional) is known to be one of the most important museums in Brazil
The National Historical Museum (Museu Historico Nacional) is known to be one of the most important museums in Brazil. It highlights, through its exhibitions and artefacts, the social as well as economic history of Brazil.
It was by decree of President Epitacio Pessoa that the National Historical Museum (Museu Historico Nacional) was created in 1922, it officially started its activities in October of that same year. The building, however, was not built that year but was in fact built many years prior to that in 1603 as the St James of Mercy Fort. The building of the structure at that particular point was a defensive military strategy. Other buildings built in the area included a prison for slaves called the Calaboose Prison.
When the museum was first started it only utilized the St James of Mercy Fort but after being in operation for 75 years the fort alone could not hold the ever enlarging collection of artefacts. This is when other structures at Calaboose Point started to be utilized. The museum now includes the Barracks, the ammunition depot, the Calaboose Prison and the War arsenal. The total area of the museum today is 20,000 m2.
The museum has 25 permanent exhibits as well as non permanent ones with the largest numismatic collections of Latin America, you will also find extensive paintings and a sacred art exhibitions of shrines. For those of you more interested in reading about the history of Brazil there are over 50,000 documents as well as photographs and in the library you will find close to 58,000 titles dating as far back as the 15th century. You will also see a large collection of coins and paper money from Latin America. Through its artifacts and documentation you get to learn about the history of Brazil from the colonial times to the modern day. This helps you to better understand the country of Brazil and its people.
Most of the collection was amassed when the Ministry of Culture was responsible for the museum. It was the first museum in Brazil to run museology courses, making it the leading educational institution for many of the other local museums.
A trip to the National Historic Museum is well worth it, especially if you are interested in getting a more in depth look into Brazil.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAddress: Praça Mal. Âncora, s/n - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20021-200, Brazil
Phone: (21) 3299-0324
Official Website: National Historical Museum
National Historical Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
Great Museum with the right balance of Brazilian history and diversity.
I visited this place many years ago and it has nothing lost of the fascination and details. Our sons loved it and enjoy the family friendly trip.
The Museum is well organized and safe. During the weekend the Center in Rio is empty and it is strongly suggested to arrive by taxi.
Axel Schönborn - a year ago
Great museum with a lot to discover on Brazilian culture and history
Valerio D'Orazio - 4 months ago
Wonderful free museum with so much content! Helps you understand the history of Brazil and how it got to the present point.
JC Bassicly - 9 months ago
This place is enormous, and well worth checking out. It's housed in a beautiful old building with an interior courtyard, there are multiple levels. You will need at least two hours to thoroughly explore the entire place because it's huge. The only thing that I would have liked is a better focus on the indigenous history of Brazil.
Christopher Suttenfield - 7 years ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 Green | Carioca | 13 Minutes |
How to get to National Historical Museum by Metro
Make your way to Carioca Station and take the south exit to Av. Almirante Barroso follow it to your left (east). When you reach Av. Presidente Antonio Carlos cross at the cross walk just to your right and continue east along Rua Marechal Aguinaldo Caiado de Castro all the way to the museum.
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Photo Gallery
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Entrance to the National Historical Museum in Rio cc licensed photo by Patricia Figueira -
Exhibits at the National Historical Museum cc licensed photo by Charlie Phillips
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