Rio de Janeiro has museums dedicated to Brazilian art, political history, science, astronomy, samba, popular culture, community memory, landscaping, navigation and heritage Afro-Brazilian.
Part of the spaces occupy historic buildings that are also attractions, such as the Catete Palace, the Imperial Palace, the Chácara do Céu and the former headquarters of the National Observatory.
Others were designed as contemporary equipment, among them the Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio Art Museum and the new headquarters of the Pontal Museum.
For a first visit, combine Museum of Tomorrow and MAR at Mauá Square. To save money, choose MAM, Museu da República, Pontal Museum, Museum of Life, MAST or Paço Imperial.
Quick Answer: Which Museum to Choose
Science, sustainability and architecture in Praça Mauá.
Exhibitions on art, city and Brazilian identity.
Modern art, gardens and architecture in Flamengo.
Catete Palace, gardens and republican memory.
Science, experiments and free activities.
Brazilian popular art in a large and familiar space.
Memory of schools, composers and communities.
Landscaping, tropical plants and scheduled visit.
Museums with partial visitation or temporary status
National Museum — temporary opening
The Paço de São Cristóvão has not fully reopened. In 2026, part of the building will host the exhibition free “Behind the Scenes of Science”, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, until August 30th.
National Museum of Fine Arts
The museum maintains partial visitation in rooms and exhibitions specific. Check which areas are open and what show time before going to Cinelândia.
National Historical Museum
The set is undergoing works and works with a circuit reduced. Temporary exhibitions continue to receive visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.
Villa-Lobos Museum temporarily closed
The Botafogo exhibition house is closed. The library serves researchers by appointment, and activities musicals can take place in partner spaces.
Museums in Rio: opening hours, prices and neighborhoods
| Museum | Neighborhood | Theme | Usual operation | Prohibited | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Museum of Tomorrow | Center | Science and futures | Thursday to Tuesday, 10am to 6pm | R$ 40; sock R$ 20 | Open |
| Rio Art Museum | Center | Art and city | Thursday to Tuesday, 11am to 6pm | R$ 20; sock R$ 10; free tuesday | Open |
| MAM Rio | Flemish | Modern art | Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm | Free | Open |
| CCBB Rio | Center | Arts and culture | Wednesday to Monday, 9am to 8pm | Generally free exhibitions | Open |
| Museum of the Republic | Catete | Political history | Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm | Free | Open |
| National Historical Museum | Center | History of Brazil | Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm | Free current exhibition | Partial visitation |
| National Museum | Saint Kitts | Science and natural history | Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm | Free | Temporary until 08/30 |
| National Museum of Fine Arts | Center | Fine arts | As per exposure | Consult schedule | Partial visitation |
| Fiocruz Life Museum | Manguinhos | Science and health | Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm | Free | Open |
| Pontal Museum | Barra da Tijuca | Folk art | Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm | Free; suggested donation | Open |
| Samba Museum | Hose | Samba and carnival | Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm | R$ 20; sock R$ 10 | Open |
| Heaven's Farm | Santa Teresa | Art and collecting | Except Tuesday, Sunday and holidays; 10am to 4:30pm | Free | Open |
| Weir Museum | Alto da Boa Vista | Art and nature | Except Tuesday, 11am to 5pm | Free | Open |
| Naval Museum | Center | Naval history | Thursday to Sunday, 1pm to 5pm | Free | Confirm operation |
| Navy Cultural Space | Center | Ships and navigation | Variable hours; usually until 5pm | Free Tuesday; other variable days | Confirm attractions |
| Maré Museum | Tide | Community memory | Tuesday to Friday and Saturday | Free | Open |
| Roberto Burle Marx Site | Barra de Guaratiba | Landscaping | Tuesday to Saturday, by appointment | Check current rate | Reservation required |
| MAST | Saint Kitts | Astronomy and science | Hours vary by day | Free | Open |
| Edison Carneiro Folklore Museum | Catete | Popular culture | Tuesday to Sunday | Free | Open |
| Rui Barbosa House Museum | Botafogo | House and literature museum | Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5:30pm | Consult | Open |
| Imperial Palace | Center | Heritage and art | Every day, 11am to 6pm | Free | Open |
Main museums to visit in Rio de Janeiro
Museum of Tomorrow
Explores climate change, biodiversity, technology, society and collective choices through of projections, installations and interactive resources.
Open from Thursday to Tuesday, from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Praça Mauá, 1 — Center
Consult the Museum of TomorrowRio Art Museum — MAR
It relates art, history, urban life, territory, popular culture and social issues linked to Rio and Brazil.
Exhibitions normally run from 11am to 6pm. The museum is closed on Wednesdays and is free on Tuesdays.
Praça Mauá, 5 — Center
Rio Museum of Modern Art — MAM
Combines exhibitions, Cinematheque, modernist architecture and the gardens of Roberto Burle Marx next to the Bay of Guanabara.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday. On Sundays, from 10am to 11am, there are exclusive sensory accessibility hours; general admission begins at 11am.
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 85 — Flamengo
Consult MAM RioBanco do Brasil Cultural Center — CCBB
It hosts major national and international exhibitions, cinema, theater, music, debates and educational activities.
Open from Wednesday to Monday, from 9am to 8pm, and closed on Tuesdays. Even in free activities, it can be Ticket reservation required.
Rua Primeiro de Março, 66 — Center
Consult CCBB RioMuseum of the Republic
The Catete Palace preserves historic environments, furniture, documents and memories of the Republic and of presidents passing through the building.
The Palace is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 11am to 5pm. The garden remains open daily from 8am to 6pm.
Rua do Catete, 153 — Catete
Consult the Museum of the RepublicNational Historical Museum
Installed in an architectural complex linked to the former Fortress of Santiago, has one of the largest historical collections of the country.
In 2026, it works partially with exhibitions temporary, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Praça Marechal Âncora, s/n — Center
Consult the National Historical MuseumNational Museum — UFRJ
The Palace of São Cristóvão continues to be rebuilt. The 2026 visit allows you to see restored environments and the scientific work carried out after the fire.
“Behind the Scenes of Science” welcomes visitors on Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, until August 30, 2026.
Quinta da Boa Vista — São Cristóvão
Consult the National MuseumNational Museum of Fine Arts
Stores paintings, sculptures, engravings and works fundamental to the history of art in Brazil.
The building has not yet resumed its full circuit. Specific rooms and exhibitions welcome the public according to the official calendar.
Avenida Rio Branco, 199 — Center
Consult the MNBAFiocruz Life Museum
Presents science in an accessible way through exhibitions, experiences, theater, workshops and visits to the historic Fiocruz campus.
In July 2026, it operates from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. It is necessary to present document with photo at the entrance to the campus.
Avenida Brasil, 4365 — Manguinhos
Consult the Museum of LifePontal Museum
It brings together thousands of works by popular artists from different regions of Brazil, with sculptures, installations, festivals, crafts and traditions.
Open from Thursday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm, with the last entry at 5:30 pm. Entry is free and there is a donation suggested.
Avenida Célia Ribeiro da Silva Mendes, 3300 — Barra
Consult the Pontal MuseumSamba Museum
Preserves stories of samba dancers, schools, communities, composers, baianas, passistas and workers linked to carnival.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
Rua Visconde de Niterói, 1296 — Mangueira
Consult the Samba MuseumChácara do Céu Museum
The former residence of Castro Maya brings together art Brazilian, European and Oriental, rare books, furniture and views of the city.
Open from 10am to 4:30pm and closed on Tuesdays and Sundays and holidays. It has free parking.
Rua Murtinho Nobre, 93 — Santa Teresa
Consult Chácara do CéuWeir Museum
Combines historic house, decorative arts, oriental collections, gardens, forest and works contemporary outdoors.
Open daily, except Tuesdays, from 11am to 5pm. The garden can be accessed from 9am.
Estrada do Açude, 764 — Alto da Boa Vista
Consult the Weir MuseumNaval Museum
Presents models of vessels, instruments, documents and episodes linked to maritime history and Brazilian naval.
The usual visitation takes place from Thursday to Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm. Confirm operational changes.
Rua Dom Manuel, 15 — Center
Consult the Naval MuseumNavy Cultural Space
Allows you to visit the Submarino-Museu Riachuelo, the Bauru Museum Ship, aircraft and other attractions linked to the Navy.
Hours may change due to maintenance, weather or discharge season. Tours to Fiscal Island and the Bay They have their own tickets and timetables.
Orla Conde, s/n, Praça XV — Center
Consult the Cultural SpaceMaré Museum
Community museum dedicated to the stories, objects, experiences, struggles, homes and ways of life of communities in Maré.
It operates from Tuesday to Friday in two shifts and on Saturday mornings. For groups, confirm the advance scheduling.
Avenida Guilherme Maxwell, 26 — Maré
Consult the Maré MuseumRoberto Burle Marx Site
Preserves the residence, studio, works of art, collections and an extraordinary set of plants tropicals brought together by Roberto Burle Marx.
Tours are guided and require advance reservation. The usual schedule takes place from Tuesday to Saturday.
Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019 — Barra de Guaratiba
Consult the Burle Marx websiteMuseum of Astronomy and Related Sciences — MAST
It occupies the former National Observatory complex, with scientific instruments, exhibitions, domes and sky observation activities.
Times vary by day and schedule. In July From 2026, there are activities until 8pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Rua General Bruce, 586 — São Cristóvão
Consult MASTEdison Carneiro Folklore Museum
Integrates the National Center for Folklore and Popular Culture and presents festivals, knowledge, religions, crafts and Brazilian cultural expressions.
Exhibitions usually open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 6pm, and on weekends, from 11am to 5pm.
Rua do Catete, 179 — Catete
Consult the Folklore MuseumRui Barbosa House Museum
Preserves residence, library, archive, furniture and gardens linked to the family and intellectual life of Rui Barbosa.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 5:30pm, with last entry thirty minutes before closing.
Rua São Clemente, 134 — Botafogo
Consult Rui Barbosa's HouseImperial Palace
Former seat of governors, viceroys and family imperial, the Palace today hosts art exhibitions, seminars, workshops and cultural activities.
The building is open every day and on holidays, from 11am to 6pm, with free entry.
Praça XV de Novembro, 48 — Center
Consult the Imperial Palace
Free museums in Rio de Janeiro
Free during regular operation
- MAM Rio
- Museum of the Republic
- Fiocruz Life Museum
- Pontal Museum
- Heaven's Farm
- Weir Museum
- Naval Museum
- Maré Museum
- MAST
- Edison Carneiro Folklore Museum
- Imperial Palace
Free on specific days
- SEA: free entry on Tuesdays.
- Navy Cultural Space: free on Tuesdays, except holidays.
- CCBB: Exhibitions are generally free, with reservation.
- Museum of Tomorrow: see legal freebies and special campaigns.
See also the selection of free events in Rio de Janeiro .
Best museums to visit with kids
Museum of Tomorrow
Audiovisual and interactive resources attract children adults and teenagers. Set aside at least two hours.
Fiocruz Life Museum
One of the best free choices for experiments, science, health, theater and educational activities.
Pontal Museum
Ample space, colorful works and themes linked to parties, animals, professions and popular traditions.
MAST
Instruments, astronomy and sky observation awaken interest in science and history.
Navy Cultural Space
Entering a submarine and visiting a ship is often a remarkable experience, but requires attention to stairs and narrow spaces.
National Museum
The temporary opening of 2026 allows us to talk about research, fossils, collections and museum reconstruction.
Before taking children
- Check the classification of activities.
- Book tickets at the same time for the whole family.
- Confirm strollers and luggage storage.
- Bring water when the museum allows it.
- Plan breaks for visits longer than two hours.
- Do not allow the child to touch the works.
- Check out workshops and sessions with limited places.
Museums to visit on a rainy day
CCBB Rio
Exhibitions, cinema, café and library in one building covered in the Center.
Museum of Tomorrow
Great internal circuit, although the path through the Square Mauá has exposed sections.
SEA
Several exhibition floors and covered connection between parts of the complex.
Museum of the Republic
The Palace is covered, but the garden loses part of its interest in heavy rain.
Pontal Museum
Spacious contemporary building, with protected exposure and rest areas.
Samba Museum
Internal visit recommended to arrange with others spaces in São Cristóvão and the North Zone.
Museums by region of Rio
Praça Mauá and Port Area
Museum of Tomorrow, MAR, Museu da Maré in another section of the North Zone, MUHCAB and Prainha form one of the largest cultural circuits of the city.
Historic center
CCBB, Imperial Palace, Naval Museum, Cultural Space of the Navy, National Historical Museum and MNBA can be combined with metro and walking.
Catete, Flamengo and Botafogo
Republic Museum, Folklore Museum, MAM and House of Rui Barbosa concentrate history, art and gardens.
Santa Teresa and Tijuca Forest
Chácara do Céu and Museu do Açude combine collections of art with architecture, view and nature.
São Cristóvão and North Zone
National Museum, MAST, Samba Museum, Museum of Life and Museu da Maré expand the circuit beyond the South Zone.
West Zone
Pontal Museum and Sítio Roberto Burle Marx are references, but they are distant from each other and require transport planning.
Museum itineraries for a day
Museum of Tomorrow and SEA
- Start at the Museum of Tomorrow at 10am.
- Have lunch at Praça Mauá or in the Center.
- Visit the SEA in the afternoon.
- Walk along Olympic Boulevard.
CCBB, Palace and Naval Museum
- Start at CCBB.
- Cross to the Imperial Palace.
- Have lunch at Praça XV.
- Choose Naval Museum or Navy Cultural Space.
Republic, Folklore and MAM
- Visit the Catete Palace.
- Pass by the Folklore Museum.
- Have lunch at Catete or Flamengo.
- End the day at MAM and Aterro.
National Museum and MAST
- Confirm the temporary opening of the National Museum.
- Visit Quinta da Boa Vista in the morning.
- Have lunch in São Cristóvão.
- Head to MAST in the afternoon.
Pontal and Barra de Guaratiba
- Visit the Pontal Museum in the morning.
- Book Sítio Burle Marx in advance.
- Consider car, taxi or app.
- Don't try to fit the itinerary without calculating distances.
Chácara do Céu and historic neighborhood
- Take the tram to Largo do Curvelo.
- Walk to Chácara do Céu.
- Visit Parque das Ruínas when it is open.
- End at Largo dos Guimarães.
Accessibility in Rio’s museums
Accessibility varies depending on the building, exposure and the type of activity. Historic buildings may have limitations that do not exist in contemporary museums.
MAM Rio
On Sundays, from 10am to 11am, open hours exclusive focused on sensory accessibility.
Pontal Museum
Offers exclusive hours on Saturdays, from 9am to 10am, by appointment.
CCBB Rio
Reserve Sunday, from 8am to 9am, for visitors with intellectual disabilities and companions.
Historic spaces
Confirm elevator, ramps, accessible bathrooms, wheelchairs and circulation before the visit.
Tips for visiting museums in Rio
Checklist before leaving
- Confirm that the museum is open that day.
- Check temporary exhibitions and closed areas.
- Book tickets when there is a scheduled time.
- Bring documents for free and half-price tickets.
- Check the last entry, not just the close.
- Research rules for backpacks, food and luggage storage.
- Do not use flash where photography is permitted.
- Do not touch works, shop windows or historical objects.
- Calculate travel time between neighborhoods.
- In groups, see educational scheduling.
Don't confuse closing time with last entry
Many museums close the ticket office or access between thirty minutes and one hour before closing. Arrive at the last moment you can prevent the visit.
Frequently asked questions about museums in Rio
What are the most visited museums in Rio
Museum of Tomorrow, MAR, MAM, CCBB, Museum of Republic and National Historical Museum are among the most sought after cultural spaces.
Which museum is free in Rio
MAM, Museum of the Republic, Museum of Life, Pontal Museum, MAST, Chácara do Céu, Museu do Açude and Paço Imperial have free entry in regular operation.
Which day is MAR free
The Rio Art Museum offers free entry on Tuesdays. It may be necessary to remove entry or respect capacity.
The Museum of Tomorrow closes on which day
The Museum of Tomorrow is closed on Wednesdays and Open from Thursday to Tuesday.
The National Museum has already reopened
There has not yet been a full reopening. In 2026, part of the Palace temporarily hosts the exhibition “Behind the Scenes of Science” until August 30th.
The Museum of Fine Arts is open
The MNBA maintains partial visitation in certain rooms and exhibitions. Check the schedule beforehand of the displacement.
What is the best museum for children
Museum of Life, Museum of Tomorrow, Pontal Museum, MAST and Espaço Cultural da Marinha are good choices for families.
Which museums are close to the metro
CCBB and Paço Imperial are close to Uruguaiana; Republic Museum and Folklore Museum are located in in front of Catete station; Rui Barbosa's house is near Botafogo.
You can visit Museum of Tomorrow and MAR on the same day
Yes. They are both in Praça Mauá. Start with Museum of Tomorrow and visit MAR in the afternoon.
Where to go on a rainy day
CCBB, MAR, Museum of Tomorrow, MAM and Museum of Republic have broad internal circuits.
Museums open on Mondays
Some open, such as Museum of Tomorrow, MAR, CCBB and Imperial Palace. Many public museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays, so check back.
Where to see exhibitions on display
See the page of exhibitions in Rio de Janeiro and the official channels of each museum.