Pernambuco State Museum: A Cultural Journey Through Time

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.