Museu do Açude: Art and Nature in Tijuca Forest
Discover art and nature at Museu do Açude in Rio's Tijuca National Park, a serene escape with diverse collections and lush gardens.
Nestled within the lush Tijuca National Park, the Museu do Açude offers a serene escape into art and nature. This unique museum, once a private estate acquired in 1913 and renovated in the 1920s by Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, showcases a diverse collection of art and artifacts. The museum was created in 1964 and has been integrating cultural and natural heritage since the 1990s. The Museu do Açude features a blend of art styles, with three main collections: Oriental Art (sculptures, porcelains), Applied Arts (Brazilian colonial furniture, English silverware), and Azulejaria (Portuguese panels). The museum also has a permanent open-air circuit established in 1999 with contemporary art installations. Artists such as Anna Maria Maiolino, Hélio Oiticica and Lygia Pape are featured. The surrounding gardens complement the museum's collection, offering walking trails and panoramic views. Visitors can explore the museum's four buildings and expansive 151,132 square meter grounds, discovering art installations and enjoying the natural surroundings. The museum provides a tranquil retreat, with its combination of art, history, and natural beauty.
Local tips
- Visit on Thursdays for free admission, but be prepared for potentially larger crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the gardens and outdoor art installations.
- Bring cash for admission and any purchases, as card payments may not always be available.
- Consider bringing a jacket, as it can get chilly inside the museum.
A brief summary to Museu do Açude
- Estr. do Açude, 764, Rio de Janeiro, Alto da Boa Vista, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20531-330, BR
- +552198347-3429
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Rio or the South Zone, take a bus to Alto da Boa Vista. Several bus lines serve the area. From Alto da Boa Vista, you may need to walk or take a short taxi ride to the Museu do Açude, as bus access directly to the museum may be limited. Bus fares are around R$4.70.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From most parts of Rio, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Uber) is a convenient way to reach the Museu do Açude. Specify 'Estrada do Açude, 764, Alto da Boa Vista' as your destination. A taxi from the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema) will cost approximately R$60-R$80 and take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Base fare is R$6, with a charge of R$3 per km.
