The Museu hist�rico Nacional - MHN (National History Museum) contains a vast array of prints and photographs, as well as textual documents, and is recognized as an excellent primary source for researchers and historical enthusiasts.

The Museum is situated in the Forte de Santiago (Santiago Fort), which used to hold extensive military supplies and at one time the country's War Arsenal. When the Arsenal was transferred elsewhere, the impressive setting was adapted for the use of a National Historic Museum, decreed by presidente Epit�cio pessoa (president Epit�cio pessoa), in 1922.

Amongst the permanent exhibitions and artifacts, one can find a monumental equestrian sculpture of Dom Pedro II, the second and last ruler of the Brazilian empire, an exhibition on changes is transit methods, from horse-drawn to automobile, and two collections relating to the story and development of coins and currency - the museum is located at pra�a Marechal �ncora, s/n - Centro and can be contacted via phone on (21) 3299-0324.