Since its 1937 opening, the art museum has become an important cultural fixture celebrating Brazil’s heritage. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes is its massive, permanent exhibition featuring more than 16,000 works of art by Brazilian painters, sculptors, and other artists. Though its collection focuses largely on 19th century art, the museum also houses an impressive array of Brazilian folk and West African art, as well as a smattering of contemporary and modern pieces.
Museu Nacional de Belas Artes is accessible by tram from the Rio de Janeiro Airport RJ Santos Dumont. After an 11-minute ride, take the VLT - Cinelândi stop before walking 4 minutes to the museum.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 1pm to 6pm. It is closed on Monday.
No trip to Rio is complete without ascending Sugar Loaf Mountain via cable car. After a pit stop on Morro da Urca, take in the incredible panoramic vistas from the top of the famed mountain being sure to Christ Redeemer a wave before exploring the rest of Rio.
