National Historic Museum, Rio de Janeiro showcases Brazil's history and culture

Established in 1922, the National Historic Museum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil occupies two separate buildings in a complex that grew from the Santiago Battery. Originally built in 1567 by Mem de Sa, the building was an important structure in the city’s defensive strategy. In 1603, the Battery became the Santiago Fort and later in 1693, as Calaboose. At that time, it was actually used as a prison for slaves. The location of the battery was actually chosen because it advanced towards the sea between the beaches of Piacaba and Santa Luzia and occupied a space right on the seafront.

The building that currently makes up the National Historic Museum was added in 1762. Known as the Casa de Trem or the Amunition Depot, the building was built to store and guard the munitions and equipment that was sent to the troops from Portugual. Two years later, the War Arsenal was added. This building was used to build and repair arms. Upon the arrival of the Royal Family and Brazil’s Independence, the Casa do Trem and the War Arsenal became the center of production for the Brazilian Army.

In the early 20th century, the munitions and arsenal were transferred from the complex to Caju Point and the buildings were used to house the 1922 International Exposition. During the Exposition, two of the rooms in what was then known as the Pavillion of the Great Industries were dedicated as the National Historic Museum. With the end of the Exposition, the National Historic Museum slowly evolved to take over the entire complex.

Considered to be one of the most important museums in Brazil, today the National History Museum is home to over 287,000 items including what is the largest numismatic collection of Latin America. Under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, the National Historic Museum has become a showcase of culture and history.

Spread out over 9,000 square meters, the National Historic Museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions and regularly promotes special activities for students as well as the underpriveleged residents of Rio de Janeiro. The museum also regularly offers courses, video exhibitions and seminars. The museum attained national recognition when they hosted the first museology course that actually served as an impetus for the formation of many other important museums in Brazil.

In 1987, the National Historic Museum’s permanent exhibits were divided into two themes representing the economic as well as the social aspects of Brazil’s history. The Colonization and Dependence exhibit, for example, tackles the colonization of Brazil as well as it’s economic and cultural development. An amazing piece by artist Clecio Penedo is displayed here as well as many other items that bring to life the imigration to Brazil in the late 19th century, the sugar-cane and coffee industries, mining, colonial commerce and the presence of the Portuguese court.

Another must-see permanent exhibit at the National Historic Museum is that of the Pharmacy Teixeira Novaes. Originally opened for business in 1847, the Pharmacy closed in 1983. In 1987, the assets of the Pharmacy were given to the Museum and are housed in this collection. Including 824 pieces, the Pharmacy exhibit is an actual recreation of the business within a room in the museum. The original furniture, collections of opalines and crystal as well as tint bottles and medicines are strewn over the furniture.

The display also includes writing machines, account books, and letterhead papers that originally belonged to Pharmacy owner, Jose Teixeria Novaes. Other objects, including scales, root-cutters, chopping bowls, funnels, and flasks truly transport the visitor back in history.

The National Historic Museum also boasts the Historic Archives which includes over 50,000 documents and manuscripts written on the history of Brazil as well as a Library which houses 57,000 books on Brazilian Art, Museology, Heraldic, Numismatic, Fashion and Geneology. Adjoining the Archive is the Portuguese-Brazilian Reference Center which focuses on the arrival of the Portuguese in Brazil.

Although you could spend days in the National Historic Museum and still not see everything the buildings have to offer, if you need a break – the Paco Imperial and the Praca XV are within walking distance.