Amongst its gems are the archives of the Agência Nacional (National Agency), from 1930-1979, photos from the newspaper Correio da Manhã (1901-1974), as well as private records and collections, such as those of the Ferrez family, from 1839 to 2000.

There is also a vast and significant range of audio content and motion images, including newsreels, documentaries, and family films. Besides these documents, the archives contain 4,000 caricatures and cartoon, 3,000 posters, 1,000 postcards, 300 drawings, 300 engravings and 20,000 illustrations, as well as maps, and a collection of rare books exceeding 8,000 titles.

the archives are located at  Praça da República, 173 and the contact phone number is 21 2179-1228.