Museu do Cárcere: Echoes of Incarceration on Ilha Grande

Located on the idyllic Ilha Grande, the Museu do Cárcere stands as a stark reminder of the island's complex past. From 1903 to 1994, Ilha Grande was home to the Cândido Mendes prison, which housed a range of criminals, from common offenders to political prisoners during the military regime. The prison was intentionally blown up by order of the state government in 1994. The Museu do Cárcere aims to preserve the memory of the prison system in the State of Rio de Janeiro, especially the penitentiary complex that existed on Ilha Grande. Through exhibits of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations, the museum explores the history of incarceration, justice, and the social impact of the prison. The museum is located in Vila Dois Rios, a considerable distance from Vila do Abraão, the island's main village. As part of the Ecomuseu Ilha Grande, the Museu do Cárcere also develops activities to engage with the public, including island residents and Brazilian and international tourists. These activities include heritage education and projects to preserve and promote social memory related to the history of the prison system and the region's culture.