Rio’s most prominent museums all na offer free entry on certain days of the week, a great way to get along to various exhibitions without emptying your pocket. These free days are particularly ideal for those in groups or a family wanting to save a few coins. I mean who would say no to
Tuesday is the day to visit the museums in Porto Maravilha without paying anything. The MAR is na excellent place to learn more about the history, art and culture of Rio de Janeiro. The roof designed to look like an ondulating wave, the architectural highlight of the museum, appears to float above the building succintly joining together the historic construction of Brazil’s imperial era with the modern building. The terrace is also a must-visit; the view over the city from up there is truly special.
Along with the MAR, the two make na incredible duo, especially as they lie a short walk away from each other in Praça Mauá and are both free on Tuesdays. The Museu do Amanhã, which means “Museum of Tomorrow”, is Rio’s new Picture postcard attraction. Imposing from the outside and ultramodern on the inside, the museum of science and art offers a meeting of the past, present and future through technology – of the cutting edge variety. The construction of this bold piece of architecture spans 15 thousand square metres.
Wednesday is a good day to visit the MAM, one of the most prestigious museums in the country and internationally recognised with over 15 thousand works of art in its collection and temporary exhibitions. Free entry is offered via the distribution of 2,000 passwords to be used on that day. The building’s architecture, dating back to 1984, is one of the principal examples of modernism in Brazil. The top floor hosts regular music events as well as charming design shop, a café and the restaurant Languiole.
Wednesdays and Sundays are the preferred days to visit the museum for free and also take a stroll through the gardens of Catete Palace, as it also known a building that for 63 years was the home of Brazil’s Executive Power. The address also served as the home of President Getúlio Vargas and the room where he committed suicide remains as it was, being one of the main attractions of this museum that was inaugurated in 1960. There is also a bookshop, classroom, auditorium, multimedia space, cinema (with a capacity for 90 people), as well as a children’s playground.
This building, designed in 1908 by architect Adolfo Morales de los Rios to house the National School of Fine Art, has a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary Brazilian Art which can be viewed for free on Sundays. Aside from the exhibition galleries, there is also the National Library with over 20 thousand articles including books, newspapers, bibliographies and more.
