Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Museums

Museu Histórico Nacional

With over 287,000 items that range from the colonial conquest to the imperial era of Brazil, this history museum situated in downtown Rio boasts an excellent collection of paintings and an impressive museum library that holds over 57,000 titles, some dating as far back as the 15th century.

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes

Situated in downtown Rio, this national art museum began when Portugal’s King John VI fled to Rio from Europe with his art collection in tow. Established in 1937 as the National Museum of Fine Arts, today it holds around 16,000 items which include paintings, sculptures, drawings, folk art, and African art. Academicist and Neoclassical Brazilian artists are heavily represented in this extensive art collection.

Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM)

Considered the second most important contemporary art museum in Brazil, modern Brazilian and international pieces are held in this architecturally-stunning building. A devastating fire struck the museum in 1978 but has since then seen the renovation and recuperation of its collection thanks to generous international donations.

Museu da Imagem e do Som

This “Image and Sound” museum is particularly well suited for film, radio, and broadcasting buffs who wish to view Brazilian photographs or hear a bit of Brazilian classical as well as popular music that has been recorded. On the weekends, the museum plays host to non-commercial cinema for visitors who wish to see a different take on film-making in Brazil.

Museu Naval

Situated in downtown Rio, this Naval Museum brings Brazilian Naval history to life with three floors that showcase photographs, cannons, models, medals, and other wonderful historic items. Interestingly, this museum also houses a mine utilized during WWII and an 1894 B-57 torpedo, making it a must see for an history aficionado.

Museu do Carnaval

Rio de Janeiro is world famous for its annual Carnaval festivities, when the entire city comes together to celebrate for four days with music, food, and dance before the Catholic Lenten season of repentance begins. It is no surprise that Rio would establish a museum dedicated to representing the history of this one-of-a-kind party. With photos, artifacts, and historical information on display for visitors, this is the ideal location to learn about Rio’s legendary Carnaval.