Rio de Janeiro is full of historic palaces and incredible museums. However, many people, including cariocas, are unaware of these places or don’ t even know they can visit them. That’s why we’re telling you about the Açude Museum, which is located in the middle of the Tijuca Forest and brings together a collection of objects and items from different periods. Discover this little place!
The former property belonged to the Castro Maya family
In Alto da Boa Vista and surrounded by the exuberant nature of the Tijuca Forest. Not bad to live in a house like that, is it?
Well, this residence, as well as the Chácara do Céu Museum also belonged to the Castro Maya family and became a museum in 1964. However, even after undergoing restoration, it has preserved its residential character.
The house is located in the middle of the largest urban forest in the world, in an area of 151,132m², comprising four buildings. It also has neoclassical features, with original arcades and eaves with Portuguese tiles.
And for those of you who are into soap operas, the Açude Museum is very familiar: it was the setting for the mansion of Viúva Porcina, Regina Duarte’s character in the soap opera Roque Santeiro .
What to do at the Açude Museum: Portuguese tiles and more!
In addition to its privileged location, the Açude Museum is full of history. Starting with the collection of tiles and crockery from Porto. It consists of ceramic pieces from the 19th century, as well as French, Dutch and Spanish panels that decorate the residence.
The Açude Museum also has an excellent collection of oriental art, with around 400 pieces from various sources, including Chinese sculptures, paintings, woodcuts and crockery from the Companhia das Índias.
Finally, Brazilian furniture, silverware and Persian carpets are some of the items in the applied art collection. The museum also hosts exhibitions and other temporary activities.
How to get there and opening hours
You can visit the Açude Museum by car or by bus. In the case of public transport, there are specific lines that go as far as Rua Boa Vista, where you need to get off near the fire station.
If you’re going by car, you should take Estrada das Canoas (via São Conrado) or Avenida Edson Passos, if you’re going via Tijuca.
The Museum is open every day, except Tuesdays, from 11am to 5pm. You can visit the gardens daily, from 9am to 5pm. And admission is free!
📌Estrada do Açude, 764 – Alto da Boa Vista