Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói: A Flying Saucer of Art
Experience art and architecture with panoramic views at Niterói's iconic Museu de Arte Contemporânea, designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói (MAC) is a striking, saucer-shaped modern art museum designed by the iconic Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Perched on a cliff overlooking Guanabara Bay, it offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, housing a significant collection of Brazilian contemporary art dating back to the 1950s.
A brief summary to Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói
- Mirante da Boa Viagem, s/nº, Niterói, Boa Viagem, State of Rio de Janeiro, 24210-390, BR
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesday for free admission to the galleries.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the panoramic views.
- Take the ferry from Rio de Janeiro for a scenic journey to Niterói.
- Check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Rio de Janeiro, the most common and scenic route to MAC is by ferry. Take the ferry from Praça XV in Rio to Praça Arariboia in Niterói. Ferries depart frequently, approximately every 5 minutes, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Upon arriving at Praça Arariboia, proceed to the adjacent Terminal Rodoviário João Goulart. From there, take bus line 47B, which passes directly by the MAC. Ferry fare: R$8. Bus fare: approximately R$4.30.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From the ferry terminal in Niterói (Praça Arariboia), a taxi or ride-share to the MAC is a convenient option. The ride is relatively short, approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available outside the ferry terminal. Ride-sharing services like Uber and 99 are also popular and can be easily booked via their respective apps. Estimated taxi/ride-share fare: R$20-R$30.
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Walking
For those arriving in Niterói via ferry and wishing to walk, the MAC is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from the ferry terminal at Praça Arariboia. The walk is scenic, following the coastline, and takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Be aware that parts of the route may have limited shade. No cost for walking.
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