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Recife City Museum: A Fortified History

Explore Recife's past within the walls of a 17th-century fort, filled with historical photos, maps, and artifacts.

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Housed within the historic Forte das Cinco Pontas, the Recife City Museum showcases the evolution of Recife through maps, photos, and artifacts. Originally built by the Dutch in 1630, the fort itself is a key piece of the city's vibrant past.

A brief summary to Recife City Museum

  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
  • Explore the fort's architecture and imagine its history before entering the museum.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions to see additional aspects of Recife's culture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Marco Zero, walk southwest along Avenida Alfredo Lisboa, then turn right onto Cais da Alfândega. Continue onto Ponte Princesa Isabel, cross the bridge, and turn left onto Praça Cinco Pontas. The Recife City Museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Recife Metro station, take any bus heading towards São José. Get off at the Praça das Cinco Pontas stop. The museum will be directly in front of you. The bus fare is approximately R$4.10.

  • Taxi

    From Boa Viagem, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Recife City Museum will cost approximately R$30-50, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes. There are no tolls on this route.

Unlock the Best of Recife City Museum

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Discover more about Recife City Museum

The Recife City Museum, located in the Forte das Cinco Pontas (Five Points Fort), offers a captivating journey through the city's history. The fort was originally constructed by the Dutch in 1630 during their occupation of Pernambuco. After the Portuguese and locals regained control, the fort was rebuilt, but with only four points instead of the original five, though it retains its original name. The museum's collection includes a rich assortment of photographs, maps, documents, and objects that illustrate Recife's urban, cultural, and social development since the Dutch period. Exhibits narrate Recife's story, from its indigenous roots to its colonial influences. The museum boasts over 250,000 photographs and more than 3,000 titles, including books and magazines. Visitors can also explore a collection of over 1,800 digital objects, including maps, plans, and architectural projects. The fort's architecture is an attraction in itself. After being closed for renovations, the museum reopened with improved accessibility, bilingual signage, special lighting, and parking. A visit to the Recife City Museum provides insight into the forces that have shaped this dynamic Brazilian city.

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