Museu de Arte do Rio, known as MAR, presents exhibitions connecting art, history, identity, territory and urban life. On Praça Mauá, it occupies an architectural complex joining Palacete Dom João VI to a modernist building beneath a large undulating roof.
Art, urban culture, contemporary exhibitions, education and Praça Mauá views.
What you will find
Historical and contemporary art exhibitions. Photos and documents about Rio. Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous art. Themes related to the city and its inhabitants. Escola do Olhar activities. Historic and modernist architecture. A roof inspired by sea waves. Views of Praça Mauá and the port area. Shop and services subject to availability. Changing cultural programmes.
What you may not know
It opened on 1 March 2013. It joins two buildings from different periods and styles. The undulating roof recalls the sea. Escola do Olhar is a central part of the museum. Exhibitions change throughout the year. Admission is free on Tuesdays.
History
MAR opened on 1 March 2013 as part of the port area’s revitalisation. From the start it proposed considering Rio beyond a tourist postcard, as a city shaped by encounters, inequalities, memories and transformations.
More context
Its exhibitions bring together historical and contemporary artists, institutional collections, archives, photos and objects that interpret different dimensions of the Rio and Brazilian experience.
Two buildings united by a concrete wave
The museum connects the eclectic Palacete Dom João VI with a former modernist building. A walkway joins them, while the undulating roof recalls the sea’s movement.
More context
The architecture became a symbol of the new Praça Mauá. Upper areas offer views of Museu do Amanhã, the bay, historic buildings and part of the port area.
Exhibitions that change how you see the city
MAR does not have a completely fixed route. Its changing programme may address Afro-Brazilian art, Indigenous cultures, photography, music, Carnival, architecture, peripheral neighbourhoods, social movements and urban transformations.
A continuously growing collection
The collection includes artworks, documents, photos and collections related to Rio’s visual history. The museum seeks dialogues between older pieces and contemporary productions.
Escola do Olhar
A central feature is Escola do Olhar, an educational platform developing visits, courses, workshops and activities for teachers, students, families and different audiences.
Art, education and urban debate
The museum uses art to discuss the city’s construction, its memories and people historically excluded from official narratives.
Why is it worth visiting?
Beyond exhibitions, MAR helps explain Praça Mauá’s transformation and offers excellent perspectives on the port area. It is easy to combine with Museu do Amanhã, AquaRio, Mural Etnias and Boulevard Olímpico.
My tip
Go to the highest level first and start your visit from the top. Afterwards, combine it with Museu do Amanhã and Boulevard Olímpico. To save money, plan for a Tuesday.
