Museu Nacional de Belas Artes preserves one of the country’s leading art collections. It brings together paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, decorative arts and works related to the development of Brazilian visual arts.
Major Brazilian artworks, monumental architecture and a collection of national importance.
What you will find
Brazilian painting from the 19th and 20th centuries. Works by essential Brazilian artists. Brazilian and European sculptures. Drawings and prints. Decorative arts. Temporary exhibitions. Monumental architecture. Partially restored rooms. Educational activities. A collection linked to Brazilian art history.
What you may not know
It was officially created in 1937. Part of the collection predates Independence. The building opened in 1908. It originally housed Escola Nacional de Belas Artes. It holds a leading Brazilian art collection. It currently operates with partial opening.
History
Part of the collection’s origins is linked to the Portuguese court’s arrival in Rio in 1808. Works from Portugal and later acquisitions helped form Brazil’s first official art collections.
More context
Art-education institutions and Missão Artística Francesa helped organise an academic tradition in Rio. This heritage passed through different institutions before joining the museum.
The former Escola Nacional de Belas Artes building
The museum occupies an imposing Avenida Rio Branco building opened in 1908 for Escola Nacional de Belas Artes. Its European-inspired architecture forms part of Cinelândia’s monumental complex.
More context
The facade, stairs and large halls make architecture essential to the visit. The building reflects Centro’s early-20th-century modernisation.
Major names in Brazilian art
The collection includes Victor Meirelles, Pedro Américo, Almeida Júnior, Rodolfo Amoedo, Eliseu Visconti, Tarsila do Amaral, Di Cavalcanti, Cândido Portinari and many others.
Historical painting and constructing an image of Brazil
In the 19th century, large paintings depicted historical episodes, figures and landscapes. Beyond events, they reveal how institutions wanted to construct a particular image of the country.
Sculptures, prints and decorative arts
The collection extends beyond painting to sculptures, drawings, prints, coins, furniture, decorative objects and European works from different periods.
A museum in the process of reopening
MNBA remained closed during a long restoration and modernisation process. It currently has partial opening, exhibitions and special activities while preparing a full reopening.
What can currently be visited?
Visits depend on the rooms and exhibitions open at each time. Checking the official programme before travelling is essential.
My tip
Do not rely only on general hours: the museum remains partially open. Check the available exhibition and combine it with Theatro Municipal, Biblioteca Nacional and CCJF.
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