"K2T Wisata"
Ok, we know you chose to take vacations in Rio de Janeiro because of all you have heard about the sun, the sand and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. But still, Rio having a humid weather and some rainy days during the Summer season, it might be worth it to also enjoy its cultural richness, which is manifested in many ways. If the history of Brazil is something you are interested in, you will probably enjoy a visit to the National Museum of History.One of the most important museums in Brazil, the “Museu Histórico Nacional” of Rio de Janeiro was created in 1922, though it has recently renovated all of its permanent exhibitions. Visitors taking a trip to Rio de Janeiro get a chance to see this museum and tour its permanent exhibitions, which constitute a trip through Brazil and its history.
One of the new additions is “The Portuguese in the World”, an exhibition on the maritime expansion of the Portuguese from 1415 to 1822, its causes and consequences. Topics covered include the colonization of Brazil and the Declaration of Independence by D. Pedro I.
The exhibitions “The Building of a Nation” and “Citizenship under Construction” have lots of details on the main Brazilian historical facts divided in two periods: 1822 to 1889 and 1889 until nowadays.
Since the museum is located close to the square known as “Praça XV”, you can also visit – on the same tour in Rio de Janeiro – the Imperial Palace, the Cultural Centre of the bank “Banco do Brasil” –known as CCBB- and the Fiscal Island.
If you are now doing tourism in Rio de Janeiro and would like to visit this museum, you can take all buses that go through the “15th of November” square, also known as “Praça XV”. You can also take the metro to Estação Cinelândia or take the ferry in Rio de Janeiro and get off in the mentioned square. The exact location is on Praça Marechal Âncora, which is very central in Rio de Janeiro, so it is probably not too far from you.
The museum is open for the public from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays it is only open for afternoon visits, 2 to 6 p.m. The museum closes on Mondays, but you can go for free every Sunday.
What follows is a brief on the main permanent exhibitions you can visit in this museum during your trip to Rio de Janeiro:
The Portuguese in the World
Ranging from 1415 to 1822, this exhibition is centered on the way Portugal overtook its maritime expansion, and the rationale behind it.
Visitors are taken from the Iberian Union period, when Portugal and Spain were governed together, to the presence of the French and Dutch in the XVI and XVII century. From there they go on to learn about the territorial expansion of the colony. Attention is paid to the gold and diamond mining in Minas Gerais and its use in Baroque aesthetics, as well as to the cultural contributions of the black Africans and their descendants to the history of Brazil.
The museum being located in Rio de Janeiro, the transformations this city underwent after the arrival of D. João in 1808 are a separate chapter. The causes for Independence are also explained.
Knowing it can be hard to focus on history during vacations in Rio de Janeiro, the museum has included more dynamic elements on the exhibition. It can be interesting to hear Paulo Autran narrate the “Carta de Caminha” indicating the navigation routes. Also, special effects presenting all the Portuguese sailing routes from 1415 to 1557 are worth seeing. The silver coin “Índio” – a unique piece minted during the reign of D. Manuel I (1495-1521) – is also displayed.
The Building of a Nation
Going from 1822 to 1889, this exhibition in Rio de Janeiro covers historical facts from the independence of Brazil all the way to the exile of the imperial family with the proclamation of the Republic.
It includes information on the conflicts and solutions under the Emperor D. Pedro I, his abdication and return to Portugal, the fulfillment of the Constitution of 1824 giving the throne to D. Pedro II, the consolidation of the Imperial State, the economy based on the work of slaves, the Triple Alliance War, the role of Princess Elizabeth, the abolition of slavery and the exile from the Declaration of the Republic.
Emperor D. Pedro II is presented in three different facets in this museum in Rio de Janeiro. The philosopher and his relationship with artistic, scientific and technological achievements is the first one. The self-image of the emperor – with a compilation of phrases and quotes on his vision on education, the role of the state, health, etc. – is the second one. In third place, the emperor seen by the printing press is also displayed.
The exhibition includes, on display, a rare piece of the medal known as “the piece of the heart” of D. Pedro I, the table used for the 1824’s Constitution, symbols from the second reign and monumental paintings like “The maritime combat of Riachuelo” or “The last dance in Fiscal Island”.
Citizenship under Construction
From 1889 to nowadays, this exhibition shows the republican system that was installed in Rio de Janeiro and all over Brazil starting in 1889. Political, civil and social rights are taken into account. Being a citizen means belonging to a community, exercising rights and obligations, knowing how to distinguish public and private rights.
A panel by Clécio Penedo synthesizes the history of Brazil in this period. The triptych “A República” by Helios Seelinger is also worth seeing. The 1891’s Constitution table, portraits of Tiradentes and its heroic myth; ballot boxes, titles and credentials; uniforms and working utensils, objects related to education, health, living, sports and pleasure. Videos illustrating what Rio de Janeiro and Brazil were like during the 20th century can be found all over the exhibition.
Oreretama
A tour through Brazilian pre-history, Oreretama shows a reproduction of the pre-historic cave found at the National Park Serra da Capivara, in Piauí, with cave paintings representing animal shapes. Middens found on the coasts of Rio de Janeiro seem to be sending us a warning on the need to preserve archeological sites, as well as the environment.
The word “oreretama” is in “tupi”, language of the Brazilian natives of the same name. It means “our home”, which is also why indigenous populations are represented as well in Oreretama, showing their culture, utensils, myths and knowledge. The Quarup ceremony, a funeral ritual of the Brazilian Xingu natives, is also documented in multimedia format.
Coins tell the story
This exhibition shows the evolution of the coins in the world. It goes from the VII BC to the XX century, including items from all inhabited areas of the planet as a way to contribute to our vision of the political, social and economic history.
Displayed pieces include one of the first minted coins: a silver piece representing king Creso from Lídia, dated as from the VI century BC. There is also a roman coin from 46 BC displaying Emperor Júlio Cesar, and a bronze coin with the image of the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra VII. Also all currently used coins internationally are displayed here.
Coin collection – another story
A former numismatics office is recreated in this area, showing how the museum formed its own collection of groups of coins, medals, badges of honor, bank notes, stamps, mints, matrixes and several contemporary items – like calling cards.
From mobiles to automobiles: traveling through history
Due to the great proportions of the items displayed, this is a long lasting exhibition found nowadays in this museum in Rio de Janeiro. 27 pieces are gathered, including transportation chairs –some sort of carriages lifted by two people-, regular carriages, old countryside carts and a car form the start of the 20th century: the Protos, which belonged to the Baron of Rio Branco. Also vehicles from the Royal Portuguese House and the Brazilian Imperial Family are displayed.
Farmácia Homeopática Teixeira Novaes
This exhibition is a reconstruction of the traditional pharmacy Teixeira Novaes, which was located in the street Rua Gonçalves Dias, in downtown Rio de Janeiro, and functioned from 1847 to 1983. It was donated to the museum in 1987 by the Roberto Marinho Foundation.
Yard of the Cannons
This yard displays a collection of cannons, including some of Portuguese, English, French and Brazilian origin. All pieces have explanations in Braille so that those that are visually disabled can still enjoy their visit.
With all the mentioned exhibitions ready to be enjoyed in the center of Rio de Janeiro, you have no excuse not to know what to do while on a trip in Rio de Janeiro. If you need a break from the sun, if you have a rainy day or if you just feel like enjoying some of the history of the region and the nation, visit the National Museum of History. Have fun!
