Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Rio de Janeiro? These are the ones:
1Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Rio de JaneiroThe Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, a library and lusophone cultural institution, is situated at Luís de Camões Street, number 30, in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city center. 2Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí
Rio de JaneiroThe Sambodrome Marquês de Sapucaí, also known as Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí or simply 'sambodrome', is a significant location in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This avenue, surrounded by grandstands, is the venue for the parade of the best samba schools during the city's famous Carnival. It's a vibrant and lively place where the spirit of the Carnival comes alive, with samba schools showcasing their talent and creativity. 3Duque de Caxias Fort
Rio de JaneiroThe Forte Duque de Caxias, which was previously known as Forte da Vigia, Forte da Espia, and Forte do Leme, is a historical site located in the Leme neighborhood in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This fort has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and has undergone several name changes over the years. It is situated on the summit of Morro do Leme, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. 4Fiscal Island
Rio de JaneiroIlha Fiscal, also known as Fiscal Island, is a significant landmark located in Guanabara Bay. It is situated near the historic city center of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. This island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists. 5National History Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe National Historical Museum of Brazil, established in 1922, is home to over 287,000 items. This includes the largest numismatic collection in Latin America, making it a significant destination for those interested in history and numismatics. The museum's vast collection offers a comprehensive insight into Brazil's rich history and cultural heritage. 6Moreira Salles Institute
Rio de Janeiro 7Republic Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Catete Palace, an urban mansion located in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, is a significant historical site. The property spans from Rua do Catete to Praia do Flamengo. The construction of this grand mansion began in 1858 and was completed in 1867, making it a testament to the architectural prowess of the era. 8Espaço Cultural da Marinha
Rio de JaneiroThe Espaço Cultural da Marinha is a cultural center situated in the Centro district of Rio de Janeiro. This location is easily accessible and is a hub of cultural and historical significance, making it an ideal spot for tourists interested in Brazilian history and culture. 9National Museum of Brazil
Rio de JaneiroThe National Museum, known as Museu Nacional in Portuguese, is situated in the Quinta da Boa Vista area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The museum is under the administration of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), one of the country's leading educational institutions. This location offers a unique blend of cultural and educational experiences for visitors. 10Monument to the Dead of World War II
Rio de JaneiroThe Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial, popularly known as Monumento aos Pracinhas, is a significant landmark located in Eduardo Gomes Park, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This monument was conceived by Marshal João Baptista Mascarenhas de Moraes, commander of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, to honor the Brazilian soldiers who lost their lives in Italy during World War II. 11Copacabana Fort
Rio de JaneiroThe Forte de Copacabana is a military base located at the southern end of the beach in the Copacabana district of Rio de Janeiro. This historical site is open to the public and offers a unique insight into the military history of Brazil. 12Casa de Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca
Rio de JaneiroThe Casa de Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca is a historic mansion that dates back to the 19th century. It is situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, making it easily accessible for tourists. The mansion's rich history and central location make it a significant point of interest for those interested in Brazil's past. 13The Museum of the Indigenous Populations
Rio de JaneiroThe Museo del Indio, also known as the Museum of the Indian, is a public institution located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the only official institution in the country that is dedicated exclusively to the indigenous peoples of Brazil. This museum serves as a cultural and scientific agency of the National Indian Foundation and aims to promote a careful and updated image of the indigenous cause, while erasing negative prejudices and stereotypes in Brazilian society about these communities. 14Carmen Miranda Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Carmen Miranda Museum, situated in Eduardo Gomes Park, also known as Flamenco Park, is a tribute to the renowned singer and actress Carmen Miranda. The museum has been welcoming visitors since 1976, offering a unique insight into the life and career of this iconic figure. 15Eva Klabin Foundation
Rio de JaneiroThe Eva Klabin House Museum, also known as Casa Museu Eva Klabin, is a historic house museum situated in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The museum was founded in 1990 by the renowned Brazilian collector and philanthropist, Eva Klabin. The museum is housed in the residence where Klabin lived for over thirty years, making it a unique destination that combines personal history with an extensive art collection. 16Museu Getúlio Vargas
Rio de JaneiroThe Getúlio Vargas Museum, also known as the Getúlio Vargas House Museum, is a significant cultural site located in the city of São Borja in Rio Grande do Sul. The museum is dedicated to preserving the residence of former president Getúlio Vargas, offering visitors a unique insight into the life and times of one of Brazil's most influential political figures. 17Benjamin Constant House Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Benjamin Constant House Museum is a part of the Brazilian Institute of Museums (Ibram), which falls under the Ministry of Culture. It is situated in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, a location known for its cultural and historical significance. The museum was inaugurated on October 18, 1982, in the house where Benjamin Constant Botelho de Magalhães, a professor of mathematics, engineer, and military officer, resided. 18Dam Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Açude Museum, located in the Alto da Boa Vista neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a former colonial-style property that has been transformed into a museum. This unique location offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of Brazil's colonial history while enjoying the museum's diverse collections. 19Casa da Marquesa de Santos - Museum of Brazilian Fashion
Rio de JaneiroThis Neo-Classical building situated off the beaten path holds a collection of artefacts from the Brazilian Belle Epoque. 20Chácara do Céu Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Chácara do Céu Museum is an art museum situated in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This museum is part of the Castro Maya Museums, along with the Açude Museum. The museum is housed in one of the former residences of businessman and patron Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, known since 1876 as Chácara do Céu. 21Casa França-Brasil
Rio de JaneiroCasa França-Brasil is a cultural center situated in the historic heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This historic property has been repurposed and now serves as a hub for cultural activities. It is a national cultural heritage site, recognized by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN). 22Écomusée du Quarteirão cultural do Matadouro
Rio de JaneiroThe Ecomuseu Comunitário de Santa Cruz is an ecomuseum situated in the historic block of the Matadouro de Santa Cruz, in the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the local culture and heritage. 23Federal Justice Cultural Center
Rio de JaneiroThe former home of the federal court has been transformed into a cultural centre - check out their exhibitions and events. 24Museu Histórico da Cidade
Rio de JaneiroThe Museu Histórico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro, also known as Museu da Cidade, is a museum located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was established in 1934 and is housed in a complex of several buildings, including two 19th-century structures dedicated to exhibitions. The museum complex is situated in the municipal natural park Parque da Cidade in the Gávea neighborhood. 25Naval Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Naval Museum is situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum is dedicated to preserving the naval history of Brazil, making it a significant cultural and historical site. 26Nau Capitânia
Rio de JaneiroThe Nau Capitânia is a replica of a Portuguese caravel, a type of ship that was used during the era of great discoveries. This replica was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil. It is a significant piece of history that provides a glimpse into the maritime past of the country. 27Brazilian Submarine Riachuelo
Rio de JaneiroThe S Riachuelo (S-22) is a submarine that has been converted into a museum by the Brazilian Navy. It is the seventh ship of the Brazilian fleet to bear this name, which pays tribute to the Naval Battle of Riachuelo that took place in 1865. This historical event is a significant part of Brazilian naval history, making the submarine a symbol of national pride and heritage. 28USS McAnn
Rio de JaneiroIn 1944, the USS McAnn was transferred to the Brazilian Navy and was renamed as Bauru. This marked a significant transition in the ship's history, as it continued to serve under a different flag. 29Military Museum Conde de Linhares
Rio de JaneiroThe Military Museum Conde de Linhares (MMCL) is situated in the São Cristóvão neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique insight into the military history of the country. 30Fire Brigade Museum of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro- 31
Centro Cultural da Justiça Eleitoral
Rio de Janeiro 32Museum of Image and Sound
Rio de JaneiroIf you'd like to explore the past of Brazil in a different way, come here and listen to the countless records or browse through the pictures.- 33
Museu da Maré
Rio de JaneiroThe Museu da Maré is a unique institution that focuses on recording, preserving, and disseminating the history of the Maré communities in Rio de Janeiro. This includes various cultural, social, and economic aspects of the community's history. The museum's mission is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Maré communities' rich and diverse history. 34Museu das Remoções
Rio de JaneiroThe Museu das Remoções is an open-air community museum situated in Vila Autódromo, a community in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. This unique museum offers a different perspective on the city's history and culture, providing an immersive experience for visitors. 35Museum of Army History
Rio de Janeiro 36Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences
Rio de JaneiroThe Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST) is a public institution run by the Brazilian Government. It is dedicated to the study and dissemination of the history of science and technology in Brazil. The museum also focuses on museology and science education. It is located at 586 General Bruce Street in the Imperial District of São Cristóvão, in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. 37Museu Penitenciário do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Rio de JaneiroOne of the unique aspects of the MPERJ is its display of illicit materials that have been seized from visitors and prisoners in prison units. These items range from cell phones to objects used for escape attempts. This exhibit provides a stark and tangible connection to the current reality of prisons, offering visitors a rare insight into the challenges and realities faced within these institutions. 38Museum of the State Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de JaneiroThe Civil Police Museum of Rio de Janeiro is a historical institution situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It offers a unique insight into the activities of the Civil Police throughout the history of Rio de Janeiro, dating back to the colonial era. The museum is housed in a French eclectic style building, constructed in 1910 by architect Heitor de Mello, adding an architectural charm to the historical significance of the museum.- 39
Museu e Centro Cultural da Casa da Moeda do Brasil
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Casa da Tia Ciata
Rio de Janeiro - 41
Museu da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Rio de JaneiroThe Museu da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro is a thematic museum dedicated to the first military and official police force established in Brazil. This museum provides a unique insight into the history and evolution of the police force in Brazil, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, law enforcement, or military affairs. - 42
Jewish Museum
Rio de JaneiroThe Jewish Museum of Rio de Janeiro, established in 1977, serves as a cultural hub dedicated to the preservation of Jewish memory and culture. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history and traditions of Judaism in all its aspects -- religious, cultural, and historical. The museum's mission is to keep alive the memory of the Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro and to promote understanding of Jewish culture and history. - 43
Museo de la Geodiversidad
Rio de JaneiroThe Museo de la Geodiversidad, also known as MGeo, is a museum that is affiliated with the Institute of Geosciences of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. It was inaugurated in 2007 with the purpose of preserving, researching, and disseminating the geological and paleontological heritage of the Earth. - 44
Rio de Janeiro's State Court Museum
Rio de Janeiro