Praça do Derby, 7 - Derby
Praça do Derby: A Historical and Verdant Oasis in Recife
Pernambuco State Museum: A Journey Through Pernambucan History
Discover Pernambuco's rich history and culture through art and artifacts at this captivating museum housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion.
Housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion in Recife, the Pernambuco State Museum (MEPE) offers visitors a captivating journey through the region's rich history and culture. With over 12,000 art pieces, the museum showcases everything from colonial Brazil and the Dutch invasion to Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous cultures.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Pernambuco State Museum
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Av. Rui Barbosa, 960, Recife, Graças, State of Pernambuco, 52050-000, BR
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
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Recife Antigo, take bus line 1909 (TI Pelópidas / TI Joana Bezerra) or 2437 (Curado II (circular)) and disembark near the Museu do Estado de Pernambuco. The bus fare is approximately R$4.10. From the Boa Viagem area, take the Metro to the Joana Bezerra Integrated Terminal (Terminal Integrado Joana Bezerra), then take a connecting bus to the museum. The metro fare is R$4.25.
Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Recife. A taxi ride from Recife Antigo to the museum typically costs between R$12 and R$21, depending on traffic. Ensure the driver resets the meter at the beginning of the ride. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Cabify also operate in Recife, offering a potentially cheaper alternative.
Walking
From Jaqueira Park, the museum is a short walk. Exit the park and head west on Avenida Rui Barbosa. The museum will be on your right. There is no cost associated with walking.
Local tips
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Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
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Take your time exploring the gardens surrounding the mansion; they offer a tranquil escape and photo opportunities.
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Check the museum's schedule for temporary exhibitions or special events showcasing contemporary Pernambucan art.
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While there is parking available, it may be limited. Consider using a ride-sharing service or taxi for convenient access.
Discover more about Pernambuco State Museum
The Pernambuco State Museum (Museu do Estado de Pernambuco or MEPE) is located in the Graças neighborhood of Recife, Brazil. It resides within a beautiful two-story mansion that once belonged to Dr. Augusto Frederico de Oliveira, grandson of the Baron of Beberibe. The museum was established in 1928, opening its doors in 1929, and has since become a vital cultural institution in Pernambuco.
The museum's extensive collection features more than 12,000 works of art that illustrate the history of Pernambuco. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the Brazilian Colonial Period, the Dutch invasion (1630-1654), Afro-Brazilian culture, and Indigenous traditions. The collection includes paintings, furniture, sacred art, porcelain, crystals, and other artifacts. The museum also hosts the Salão de Arte Contemporânea de Pernambuco, showcasing emerging local artists.
Outside, the mansion is surrounded by gardens with acacias, mango trees and statues of priestesses. Two bronze griffins guard the entrance. Statues of Greek muses line the front terrace.
A brief summary to Pernambuco State Museum
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