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Museu do Mamulengo: A Celebration of Brazilian Puppetry

Explore Brazil's vibrant puppetry tradition at Olinda's Museu do Mamulengo, a cultural treasure trove for all ages.

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The Museu do Mamulengo in Olinda, Brazil, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art of mamulengo puppetry, a traditional form of hand puppetry popular in the Northeast. With a collection of over 1,200 pieces, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Pernambuco and Brazil.

A brief summary to Museum Mamulengo

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

Local tips

  • Check the museum's schedule for live mamulengo puppet shows, which offer an engaging and authentic cultural experience.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Olinda's historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning colonial architecture.
  • If you speak some Portuguese, engage with the docents to learn more about the symbolism and stories behind the puppets.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the historic center of Olinda, the Museu do Mamulengo is easily accessible on foot. Head east towards Av. Joaquim Nabuco in Varadouro. The museum is located on this avenue. Walking from Igreja do Carmo takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Recife, take a bus towards Olinda. Many buses connect Recife and Olinda, with the main bus terminal in Olinda being Praça do Carmo. From Praça do Carmo, you can take a local bus or taxi to Museu do Mamulengo, or walk (approximately 20-25 minutes). A one-way bus ticket from Recife to Olinda costs around R$4.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Recife and Olinda. A taxi from Recife's city center to Museu do Mamulengo in Olinda typically costs between R$40-R$60. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Museum Mamulengo

The Museu do Mamulengo – Espaço Tiridá, located in a late 19th-century house in Olinda, Pernambuco, is a vibrant tribute to Brazilian culture, specifically the captivating tradition of mamulengo puppetry. Founded in 1994, the museum is named after Professor Tiridá, a famous mamulengo personality, and is designed as a 'living museum' where puppets come to life and interact playfully with visitors. The museum's collection comprises approximately 1,200 pieces, which are regularly updated with contemporary additions. The puppets primarily originate from the Zona da Mata (the former sugar zone of Pernambuco State) and once belonged to the Mamulengo Só-Riso troupe. Besides precious and rare 19th-century pieces, the museum features four *engenhocas*, puppet ensembles animated using rods and other mechanisms. The collection is considered the only space in Latin America dedicated to conserving mamulengo art. More than just a display, the Museu do Mamulengo promotes research into traditional and contemporary mamulengo, bringing together masters and apprentices to ensure the continuation of this popular theatrical form. The museum seeks to preserve the tradition of these dolls, offering visitors an opportunity to delve into the cultural heritage of Pernambuco and the Northeast. The museum displays various pieces related to this art form. So much fun to see these puppets representing both common themes in our lives as well as superstition and fantasy.

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