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Pernambuco State Museum: A Cultural Journey Through Time

Explore Pernambuco's rich history and art at this captivating museum, housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion with beautiful gardens.

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The Pernambuco State Museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion in Recife, offers visitors a captivating journey through the region's rich history and culture. With a collection of over 14,000 items, the museum showcases artifacts from colonial Brazil, the Dutch invasion, and contemporary Pernambuco.

A brief summary to Pernambuco State Museum

  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 2 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
  • Take your time exploring the gardens surrounding the museum; they offer a peaceful escape and beautiful photo opportunities.
  • Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibitions and events, such as the Salão de Arte Contemporânea de Pernambuco.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Recife, the museum is accessible by bus. Several bus routes run along Avenida Rui Barbosa. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A single bus ticket typically costs between R$3 and R$5.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are readily available in Recife. A taxi ride from Boa Viagem to the museum would cost approximately R$12 to R$21. Ensure the driver resets the meter at the beginning of the ride.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Graças neighborhood, walking to the museum is a pleasant option. The museum is located at Av. Rui Barbosa, 960, easily identifiable by its grand facade and surrounding gardens. Be mindful of the Recife heat during midday.

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Discover more about Pernambuco State Museum

Located in the Graças neighborhood of Recife, the Pernambuco State Museum (Museu do Estado de Pernambuco - MEPE) is a treasure trove of local history and art. Established in 1928 and opened in 1929, the museum is housed in a beautiful two-story mansion that once belonged to Dr. Augusto Frederico de Oliveira, grandson of the Baron of Beberibe. The building itself is surrounded by lush gardens filled with acacias, mangoes and guava trees, creating a serene atmosphere for exploration. The museum's extensive collection features over 14,000 works, offering a comprehensive look at Pernambuco's cultural evolution. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Marajoara art, furniture crafted by Francisco Béranger, and Portuguese porcelain. Highlights include paintings by Jerônimo José Teles Júnior, collections of crockery and ivory images, 18th-century ex-votos, and 18th and 19th-century Pernambuco furniture. The museum also delves into the region's colonial past, with displays dedicated to the Dutch presence in Pernambuco. These include paintings of Dutch figures like Admiral Hendrik Corneliszoon Lonk and Count Maurice of Nassau, as well as Dutch artifacts recovered from the Guararapes. The upper floor features 19th-century chromolithographs and lithographs depicting old Recife, offering a glimpse into the city's historical landscape. In addition to its permanent collection, the Pernambuco State Museum periodically hosts the “Salão de Arte Contemporânea de Pernambuco,” showcasing the work of emerging local artists. This commitment to contemporary art ensures that the museum remains a dynamic and relevant cultural institution.

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