In 1972, painter Carlos Bastos was invited by the friends of the Museu Histórico da Cidade association to paint the chapel's walls with a mural portraying the life and death of John the Baptist. The project was very controversial because it used present-day popular figures to represent the individuals in John the Baptist's life. Singer Caetano Veloso was painted as John the Baptist, famous painter Djanira was St Elizabeth and soccer player Pelé was included in the painting.

The Catholic Church reacted strongly, saying that the objective of painting was to inspire prayer and meditation and that popular imagery would only evoke profane ideas. The work was never finished and the chapel was eventually repainted.

the park is located at estrada santa marinha 503 in gávea. it is open every day from 8 am until 7 pm. the museum opens wednesday to sunday from 11 am until 5 pm. the best months to visit and appreciate the city vistas are from may to august.