The 8 Must-See Museums In Brazil

As the largest country in Latin America, Brazil is home to a complex social history. From the colonization of the Portuguese to the arrival of African heritage from the decades of slavery; the nation’s rich diversity is portrayed through its many museums and art galleries preserving Brazil’s past and present. Culture Trip explores some of the country’s top museums.

1. Museum of Tomorrow

Building, Museum

Since it inauguration before the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Museum of Tomorrow has become Rio de Janeiro‘s single most visited attraction. An icon of the recently renovated Praça Mauá, this building’s striking, other-worldly appearance was designed by the Neo-futuristic Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. As a science museum, the Museum of Tomorrow explores issues of sustainability and climate change, and predicts future scenarios of our planet based on environmental, social and economic implications. The interactive displays and focus on vibrant imagery make this museum a dynamic and fun tour.

2. Oscar Niemeyer Museum

Museum

Oscar Niemeyer is Brazil’s most famous architect. Although most of his works feature in Brasilia, the museum itself is based in Curitiba, South Brazil. Niemeyer designed the museum himself, and showcases his trademark modernist style with curved features. The museum has a series of rotating exhibitions that display both Brazilian and international artists, as well as a permanent exhibit of Niemeyer’s best work.

Museum of Art of Sao Paulo (MASP)

With a prime location on Sao Paulo’s reputable business hub, Avenida Paulista, MASP doesn’t have to try hard to stand out from its surroundings. A large red, box-like structure balances on large pillars and is a notable example of modernist architecture. Designed by Lina Bo Bardi and completed in 1968, this stylized museum contains the most important collection of Western art in Latin America.

MASP, Av. Paulista, 1578 – Bela Vista, São Paulo, +55 (11) 3149 5959

Oratory Museum

Set within historical landscapes of the charming Ouro Preto, the Oratory Museum contains a collection of Catholic oratories that dates between the 12th and 17th century. Displayed inside a three-story historic mansion, the entire museum is dedicated to religious artifacts. However, even those who aren’t religious will appreciate the extraordinary level of care and detail that went into the creation of each artifact.

Museu do Oratório, Adro da Igreja do Carmo, 28, Ouro Preto, +55 (31) 3551 5369

Museum of Sacred Art

The historic City of Salvador is residence to the Museum of Sacred Art, an art gallery situated amid the former Convent of Santa Teresa of Avila. This museum was founded to protect and preserve the Luso-Brazilian sacred art. Today it contains rare ivory, gold and silver pieces, not to mention a collection of 18th century paintings that reflect the dynamics of Salvador, with their vibrant colors and bold shapes.

Museu de Arte Sacra, R. do Sodré, S/N – Centro, Salvador, +55 (71) 3283 5600