The museum aims to document in sound and image the effort of Brazilians, Cariocas, and the people of all nations. It consists of 30 collections, with 93,000 photographs, some of which are extremely rare. Besides photographs, the museum contains radio and film footage, interviews and musical recordings, as well as its own specialized creations and a technical reserve of three-dimensional objects.

The institute created a pioneering genre of audiovisual museum, which was copied by many other major Brazilian cities. In 2016 it received new headquarters on Copacabana Beach, which offers a fascinating journey through the cultural development and history of Rio - including Carnival, Samba and Bossa Nova. It also displays a rich collection of documents, photographs, and multi-media material.

The museum's eclectic repertoire includes exhibitions, research centers, educational activities, a theatre, cinema, shop and restaurant. it is located at Avenida atl�ntica 3432, Copacabana and can be contacted via phone on 21 2146 1579 or via email on this link.