To celebrate International Museum Day, the Brazilian Institute of Museums (Ibram) is hosting a full week of celebrations. It is National Museum Week, which this year takes place from May 18 to 24 at cultural institutions across Brazil.
Check out the details of the 24th National Museum Week and the schedule for Rio de Janeiro here .
What is National Museum Week?
National Museum Week is one of the country’s largest cultural events, held annually in celebration of International Museum Day, observed on May 18.
The event’s goal is to highlight the role of these institutions in cultural mediation and social cohesion, bringing together hundreds of free activities throughout Brazil.
In the 2026 edition, Museum Week’s theme is “Museums: Uniting a Divided World.” A reflection on the role of museums in a context marked by inequalities, conflicts, and competing narratives.
The initiative highlights the essential role of museums as spaces for dialogue, inclusion, and the promotion of peace, capable of bringing generations together and strengthening communities.
The Museum of Tomorrow, MAR, and several cultural centers in Rio are participating in Museum Week 2026
In Rio de Janeiro alone, there are more than 200 activities at different cultural institutions. Among them are exhibitions, guided tours, and educational tours.
The Museum of Tomorrow will host a Bike Tour to highlight the historical and cultural importance of the port area, Rio’s “Little Africa.” The route will pass through key sites of this heritage, such as Valongo Wharf, the Instituto dos Pretos Novos, and the Museum of Afro-Brazilian History and Culture.
In addition, the Museum of the Republic will offer a guided tour exploring Rio de Janeiro’s rich cultural scene between the 19th and 20th centuries. To do so, it takes as its starting point events and celebrations held in the private quarters of the Catete Palace.
Another great tip is to visit the Rio Planetarium to check out the exhibition “Planetary Atmospheres.” It features the rocky planets of the Solar System —Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—exploring the different atmospheres of each of these worlds.
And there’s much more throughout the event! To check out the full schedule, be sure to visit the official website.
