Museu da Chácara do Céu: A Bohemian Art Haven
Explore art, architecture, and panoramic views at this Santa Teresa gem, showcasing Brazilian culture and history.
The Museu da Chácara do Céu, located in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro, is a captivating blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty. The museum occupies a house that once belonged to Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, an art collector and businessman. Known since 1876 as Chácara do Céu, Castro Maya inherited the house in 1936. The original building was demolished in 1954, and architect Wladimir Alves de Souza designed a new residence with modern features, seamlessly integrating it with the surrounding gardens. The museum's collection includes a diverse range of art from different periods and origins, including Brazilian art (from indigenous art to modernism), European and Oriental art, furniture, decorative arts, and a library of rare volumes. Two rooms, the Dining-room and Library, are preserved to maintain the original character of the residence. The gardens, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, offer a spectacle of their own. The museum also boasts panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. In 2006, the museum gained notoriety when a group of men stole five works of art by Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and Dalí during Carnival. Despite this incident, the Museu da Chácara do Céu remains a significant cultural attraction, offering visitors a chance to experience art and history in a unique setting.
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesdays for free admission.
- Take the Santa Teresa Tram for a scenic route to the museum.
- Explore the surrounding Santa Teresa neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and eclectic architecture.
- Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events.
A brief summary to Museu da Chácara do Céu
- R. Murtinho Nobre, 93, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-050, BR
- +55613521-4369
- Visit website
- Monday 12 pm-5 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-5 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Largo dos Guimarães, the heart of Santa Teresa, the Museu da Chácara do Céu is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head east on Rua Almirante Alexandrino, then turn left onto Rua Murtinho Nobre. The museum will be on your left. This route involves some uphill walking.
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Public Transport
The Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde) is a scenic way to reach the museum. Take the tram from the Centro (Downtown) to the Largo dos Guimarães stop in Santa Teresa. From there, it's a 15-minute walk to the museum. The tram costs R$20 per person. Alternatively, several bus lines serve Santa Teresa; check local routes for the nearest stop to the museum. A single bus fare costs around R$4.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. A taxi from the city center to the Museu da Chácara do Céu costs approximately R$40-50 and takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft offer similar pricing. Be aware that traffic in Santa Teresa can be heavy, especially during peak hours.
