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Pernambuco State Museum: A Cultural Treasure Trove

Discover Pernambuco's rich history and culture through art, artifacts, and immersive exhibits at the State Museum in Recife, Brazil.

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Housed in a 19th-century mansion in Recife, the Pernambuco State Museum (MEP) offers a journey through the region's rich history and culture. With over 14,000 works of art, the museum showcases Pernambuco's heritage from colonial Brazil and the Dutch invasion to the 20th and 21st centuries.

A brief summary to Pernambuco State Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
  • Explore the museum's gardens for a peaceful escape and to admire the beautiful statues and landscaping.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions or special events that may be taking place during your visit.
  • Take your time to appreciate the diverse collection, including the Dutch-era artifacts and the oriental porcelains.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in the Graças neighborhood for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Pernambuco State Museum is accessible by bus from various points in Recife. From the city center, take a bus heading towards Graças neighborhood. Check local bus routes and schedules for the most convenient option. A single bus fare within Recife typically costs around R$4.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are readily available in Recife. A taxi ride from Recife city center to the Pernambuco State Museum takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between R$20 and R$30. Be sure to confirm the fare or use a metered taxi.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Graças neighborhood or nearby areas, walking to the museum is a viable option. From Rui Barbosa Avenue, simply head towards number 960. The museum is located on the corner of Rui Barbosa Avenue and Amélia Street. Walking allows you to appreciate the architecture and surroundings at your own pace.

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Discover more about Pernambuco State Museum

The Pernambuco State Museum, established in 1928, is a cultural landmark in Recife, Brazil. It is housed in a beautiful two-story mansion that was once the imperial manor house of Dr. Augusto Frederico de Oliveira, grandson of the Baron of Beberibe. The mansion itself is surrounded by lush gardens filled with acacias, flamboyants, mangoes, and rose apple trees, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors. The museum's collection comprises over 14,000 items, offering a comprehensive view of Pernambuco's history and culture. The exhibits include paintings from colonial Brazil and the Dutch invasion era (1630-1654), as well as works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can explore Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous cultures, period furniture, sacred art, and Dutch influences in Pernambuco. Highlights include Marajoara artifacts, furniture by Francisco Béranger, Portuguese porcelain, French pieces, and paintings depicting the Pernambucan Insurrection. The museum also features oriental porcelains from the 17th and 18th centuries, belonging to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The upper floor displays 19th-century chromolithographs, including a panoramic view of Recife by Frederich Hagedorn, and lithographs by Eastern European artists, providing insights into old Recife between 1830 and 1890. The entrance of the manor house is adorned with bronze griffins, Portuguese pottery, and statues of priestesses and Zouaves, while the front terrace showcases statues of deities from classical mythology representing various arts. The Pernambuco State Museum plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage. It hosts the “Salão de Arte Contemporânea de Pernambuco” to showcase emerging local artists. The museum also offers educational activities aimed at raising cultural awareness and revitalizing the historical memory of Pernambuco.

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