Museu do Pontal: A Celebration of Brazilian Folk Art

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Discover Brazil's vibrant folk art scene at Museu do Pontal, home to a vast collection of sculptures and art in a beautiful Barra da Tijuca setting.

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Museu do Pontal

The Museu do Pontal, located in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, is Brazil's largest and most significant museum of folk art. Its collection features over 9,000 pieces by 300 Brazilian artists, reflecting the country's diverse cultural traditions.

A brief summary to Museu do Pontal

Av. Célia Ribeiro da Silva Mendes, 3300, Rio de Janeiro, Barra da Tijuca, State of Rio de Janeiro, 22790-711, BR
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Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

Visit on Saturdays for an exclusive time dedicated to visitors with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, with prior booking required.
The museum offers free admission, but a suggested contribution of R$20 helps support its educational programs and maintenance.
Take advantage of the free parking available, but note that spaces are limited.
Enjoy a picnic in the museum's gardens; a cafeteria is available for purchasing picnic kits and light meals.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Jardim Oceânico subway station in Barra da Tijuca, take a bus towards Santa Monica Jardins. Several bus lines serve this route. Check the Moovit app for the most convenient option. The ride takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the Museu do Pontal. A single bus fare costs R$4.30.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Barra da Tijuca, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Museu do Pontal takes about 12 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 13 km. The estimated fare ranges from R$40 to R$55. Note that fares may vary depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
Walking

If you are near the Alphaville condominium, Museu do Pontal is located next to it. Follow Av. Célia Ribeiro da Silva Mendes; the museum is a short walk away. Look for signs indicating the museum entrance.

Discover more about Museu do Pontal

Museu do Pontal is a treasure trove of Brazilian folk art, the result of French designer Jacques Van de Beuque's 45 years of research and collecting across Brazil. The museum's collection showcases the creativity and cultural richness of the Brazilian people, with works dating back to the 20th century. The museum's collection includes sculptures, paintings, and other art forms that depict various aspects of Brazilian life, such as religion, work, and leisure. The pieces often reflect the cultural and social aspects of the Brazilian Northeast, including themes like drought, migration, and the "cangaço". A significant portion of the collection also represents Afro-Brazilian culture. Relocated to Barra da Tijuca in October 2021, the Museu do Pontal now resides in a modern building surrounded by 10,000 square meters of green space designed by the Burle Marx Office. The new location offers ample space for exhibitions, a cafeteria, and a shop, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The museum provides free internet access to visitors. Jacques Van de Beuque, a French designer who made Brazil his home after World War II, began collecting local folk art in the 1950s. He initially displayed his collection in a house in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, creating a space that felt more like a home than a traditional museum. The relocation to Barra da Tijuca was prompted by frequent flooding that threatened the collection.