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Museu Histórico de Brasília: A Capital's Story

Explore the history of Brazil's capital at the Museu Histórico de Brasília, preserving the legacy of the city's construction and cultural heritage.

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The Museu Histórico de Brasília, also known as the Museu da Cidade (City Museum), is the oldest museum in the capital, inaugurated on the same day as Brasília itself, April 21, 1960. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it preserves the history of the city's construction and the transfer of the Federal Capital from Rio de Janeiro.

A brief summary to Museu Histórico de Brasília

  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions on the Praça dos Três Poderes, such as the Palácio do Planalto and the Panteão da Pátria.
  • Check out the Museu da Cidade's maquete tátil (tactile model) for people with visual impairments.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the central area of Praça dos Três Poderes, the Museu Histórico de Brasília is easily accessible on foot. Orientation is straightforward due to the open layout of the plaza. The museum is near other prominent landmarks, such as the Palácio do Planalto and the Supremo Tribunal Federal. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by public transport, take a bus to the Esplanada dos Ministérios. From the bus stop, walk towards the Praça dos Três Poderes; the museum is within easy walking distance. A one-way public transport ticket costs around R$5.54.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, 99) are readily available in Brasília. A short trip from the city center to the Praça dos Três Poderes will cost approximately R$20-R$30. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your trip. These services can drop you off near the Praça dos Três Poderes.

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Discover more about Museu Histórico de Brasília

The Museu Histórico de Brasília, also known as the Museu da Cidade, stands as a historical landmark in the heart of Brazil's capital. Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, the museum was inaugurated on April 21, 1960, the same day Brasília was founded, marking the official transfer of the Federal Capital from Rio de Janeiro. Its primary mission is to preserve the history of Brasília's construction. The museum's architecture harmonizes with the surrounding governmental structures on the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza). Inside, visitors can explore 16 texts engraved with information about the process of moving the capital to the country's interior. Exhibits also include historical inscriptions transcribed in Braille and English, making the museum accessible to a wide audience. As part of the Centro Cultural Três Poderes, the Museu Histórico de Brasília complements the Palácio do Planalto, the Panteão da Pátria, and the Supremo Tribunal Federal, creating a harmonious architectural ensemble. The museum offers a glimpse into the vision and effort that shaped Brazil's modern capital.

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