National Historical Museum of Brazil
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The National Historical Museum of Brazil (Museu Histórico Nacional), created in 1922, is one of the most important museums in Brazil, consisting of over 287,000 items, among which the largest numismatic collection of Latin America. The architectonic complex that houses the museum had its beginning with the construction of the Santiago Fort, at the Calaboose Point, one of the strategic places for the defense of the city of Rio de Janeiro.
[edit] History
Created in August 1922, by decree of President Epitácio Pessoa the National Historical Museum starts its activities in October, integrating the the Centennial Exhibition, in two special rooms of the Casa do Trem (Ammunition Depot).
Along these 75 years of continuous activities, the Museum assembled the largest collection under the guard of the Ministry of Culture and has become an important center of culture, occupying gradually all the architectural complex of the Calaboose Point, where the Santiago Fort was once situated.
The first one to run an official museology course that served as a starting point for the formation of other important Brazilian museums, the National Historical Museum became internationally known in the decade of the 40's.
Today, the museum complex occupies an area of 20.000 m2. It holds over 287,000 items, displayed in more than 25 permanent and non-permanent exhibits.
The museum library alone has over 57.000 titles, many dating back as far as the XV century, and 50.000 documents and photographs.
[edit] Gallery
 The Imperial throne of Pedro II of Brazil. |
 Temporary exhibit featuring indigenous vases. |
 One of the museums most important pieces: "The Battle of Riachuelo", 1882. |
 The Royal throne of King John VI of Portugal. |
 Permant exhibit featuring chariots of the imperial era. |
 Interior of the museum. |
