National Historical Museum

Welcome to the Moo-zay-oo Is-to-ree-koo Nah-syoo-nal, located on a site of immense historical gravity known as the Pon-tah doo Kah-lah-boo-soo. This complex is not merely a museum; it is a physical timeline of the city of Rio de…

Our visit begins with the exhibition titled Oh-ray-tah-mah, a Tupi word meaning 'our land' or 'our home.' This section focuses on the first inhabitants of the territory that would become Brazil. One of the most striking features…

Moving into the 'Portuguese in the World' section, we explore the era of the great maritime navigations. The gallery begins with instruments that made these voyages possible—astrolabes and early charts that guided Portuguese…

We transition into the nineteenth century, a period marked by the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Court and the eventual establishment of the Brazilian Empire. This gallery highlights the figure of Dom Pedro the Second, an…

One of the most atmospheric parts of the museum is the Pay-choo doos Kan-yoy-ins, or 'Courtyard of Cannons.' This outdoor space has maintained the same arrangement since the nineteen forties and features heavy artillery from…

The museum houses a world-class collection of horse-drawn carriages in an exhibition titled 'From Mobile to Automobile.' These are not just vehicles; they are works of art, handcrafted over months or years and designed to last…

Finally, we explore the 'Coins Tell History' gallery, home to the largest numismatic collection in Latin America. With over three thousand examples on display, this section traces the history of money from ancient direct trade to…

As we conclude our journey through the National Historical Museum, take a moment to look back at the grand pavilions and the ancient stones of the forte. You have walked through the prehistoric origins, the colonial foundations,…