The Museu Histórico da Cidade is located in Parque da Cidade, in Gávea. Its complex includes a mansion, a large house for temporary exhibitions and the Capela de São João Batista. Its collections explore urban transformations, people, events and different ways of depicting Rio de Janeiro.
Rio’s history, old photographs, a historic mansion and nature in Parque da Cidade.
What you will find
Exhibition about Rio’s history. Paintings and prints. Photographs by Marc Ferrez and Augusto Malta. Historic furniture and objects. Two-storey mansion. Temporary exhibitions. Capela de São João Batista. Gardens and green spaces. Municipal documents. Views and trails in Parque da Cidade.
What you may not know
The complex has three historic buildings. It received heritage protection from Inepac in 1965. It is located within Parque da Cidade. Its collection contains thousands of items about Rio. The mansion remained closed for approximately ten years. Admission is free.
History
The collection originated in municipal initiatives to gather objects, artworks and documents about Rio’s history. The museum was founded in the first half of the twentieth century and later moved to Parque da Cidade.
More context
Its holdings include paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, furniture, documents and objects linked to municipal administrations and events in the city.
The Parque da Cidade mansion
The main exhibition occupies a mansion once home to important figures in Rio’s politics and culture. Its rooms preserve architectural and decorative features from different periods.
More context
The complex also includes a large house for temporary exhibitions and the Capela de São João Batista, which opens subject to operating conditions.
Rio through the eyes of artists and photographers
The collection brings together depictions of the city by artists and photographers such as Marc Ferrez, Augusto Malta, Thomas Ender, Eliseu Visconti and Antonio Parreiras.
A city in constant transformation
The exhibitions reveal changes in streets, squares, transport, architecture, landscapes and customs. Rio emerges as a city continually built and rebuilt.
Parque da Cidade
The museum is surrounded by extensive green grounds with paths, vegetation, historic buildings and places to rest. The park is an important part of the experience.
An extensive municipal collection
The institution preserves thousands of items relating to Rio’s political, social and cultural history, including collections associated with former mayors and urban redevelopment.
Why is it worth visiting?
It is free, peaceful and receives few tourists. It combines history, architecture and nature in an area of Gávea tucked between the mountains.
My tip
I do not recommend walking uphill if you have limited mobility: the slope is steep. Take transport to the top, wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the park.
