Casa de Santos Dumont Travel Guide

Casa de Santos Dumont, or 'The Enchanted,' is a captivating museum nestled in the heart of Petrópolis, a mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. This house was designed by Alberto Santos Dumont as his summer residence in 1918. Santos Dumont, a Brazilian aviation pioneer and inventor, is celebrated for his contributions to aeronautics and technology.The house itself is an architectural marvel, reflecting Santos Dumont's innovative spirit. Built on a steep hillside, the three-story villa features unique details such as an external staircase that can only be ascended starting with the right foot and an internal staircase that can only be ascended starting with the left foot. The house also boasts an open layout with no partitions between rooms. One of his inventions was the shower with hot water, the only one of Brazil at that time, being heated with alcohol.Inside the museum, visitors can explore the rooms and admire a collection of Santos Dumont's personal belongings, photographs, documents, and replicas of his inventions. The museum not only celebrates his achievements in aviation but also highlights his contributions to automotive and other technological fields. Notably, the house had no kitchen; Santos Dumont had his meals delivered from the Palace Hotel across the street.After Santos Dumont's death in 1932, his family donated the house to the City Hall of Petrópolis. It was designated a historical landmark in 1952 and converted into a museum in 1956. Today, Casa de Santos Dumont stands as a testament to the life and legacy of a brilliant Brazilian innovator, offering a fascinating journey through his world.