Rio Art Museum (Museu de Arte do Rio)

The Basics

The museum’s striking architecture includes a colonial mansion connected to what was once a parking garage, and each structure contains artwork with a different focus. In both buildings, visitors can explore six floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, which include paintings, sculptures, photography, and installation art pieces. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace for a view over the waterfront.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Most of the museum’s exhibitions are in Portuguese only.

• Large bags and luggage are not allowed inside the museum; a free bag check is available.

• There is a restaurant, café, and gift shop at the museum.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

The Rio Art Museum is located at Porto Maravilha in the Gamboa neighborhood, 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) north of downtown Rio. To reach the museum from downtown, take the subway to the Uruguaiana stop, a 10-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The museum is open Monday to Sunday from midmorning to late afternoon, with extended hours on Tuesday evenings. Budget travelers should visit on a Tuesday, when admission is free to everyone, although it can get busy in the evening.

Rio’s Art Museums

Rio has a wealth of museums that art lovers should add to their list. The National Museum of Fine Art (Museu Nacional de Belas Arte, or MNBA) houses Brazilian artworks dating back to medieval times; the Rio Modern Art Museum (Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro, or MAM) is housed in an imposing building in Flamengo Park and features works by Miró, Salvador Dalí, and Max Ernst; and the Municipal Art Center Hélio Oiticica (Centro Municipal de Arte Hélio Oiticica) is devoted to the works of one of Brazil’s most unique visual artists. Other options include the International Museum of Naive Art of Brazil (Museu Internacional de Arte Naif do Brasil), the LURIXS Contemporary Art Gallery, and the nearby Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói).