at a glance

visiting hours are from 10 am - 5:30 pm tuesday through friday and 2-6 pm on weekends and holidays. museu histórico nacional, praça marechal âncora, s/nº, centro,  tel. 21.2550.9220/21 2550.9224, free admission on sundays

the museu nacional de belas artes (fine arts museum), was created in 1938 during the administration of president Getúlio vargas. the unique building, with a central courtyard, is home to the national museum of fine arts as well as the national school of fine arts. the museum is dedicated to preserving artistic productions.

on display is art that spans from the 19th century to modern day from all over the world. the museu nacional de belas artes holds 19,000 works including paintings, sculptures and other contemporary art forms. the museum has an extensive foreign section with an excellent collection of 13th-14th century european paintings. museu nacional de belas artes -  mnba, avenida rio branco, 199, centro, tel. 21.2219.8474 - here is the website, contact email, and map.