MAM - Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Modern Art is a must see for those who love art
For those who love art, a trip to Rio would be incomplete without a trip to the Museum of Modern Art (Museu Arte Moderna). As the name states this museum is home to a number of collections of modern and contemporary art including paintings, photographs and sculptures.
There are over 11,000 works of art in the museum's permanent collection by both international as well as Brazilian born artists, some of these include the works by Marino Marini, Jean Arp, Bruno Giorgi, Helio Oiticica and Lygia Clark to name but a few.
Visitors also have the pleasure and surprise of viewing some of the travelling collections. This also ensures that visitors who have already been to the Museum of Modern Art will always have a new collection to view and appreciate. Visitors also need to know that not all of the collections which are permanent are always on display. There are signs describing the art pieces in both Portuguese and English.
The structure itself was designed by Alfonso Eduardo Reidy and was completed in 1955, a modernist building which was built with large windows and external pillar elements which allows the building to have fewer internal structural walls. The design of the building allows visitors views of the beautifully sculptured gardens and other natural sights such as Sugarloaf mountain and other mountain formations as well as a glimpse of Guanabara Bay.
The museum can be located at Parque do Flamengo (Flamengo Park) on the coast of Rio, an urban planning project at the time. The garden was designed and sculptured by Roberto Burle Marx, the design is abstract and you can get a full view of the spectacular garden from the second-floor patio of the museum.
Despite its vast collection of modern art, beautifully sculptured garden and uninterrupted views of the landscapes the museum is also known for its cinema with many film events being held there over weekends.
There is a restaurant, bar and a lounge area by the deck which make it a really wonderful place to relax and take in all the beauty around you.
For art lovers or for those who appreciate the finer things in life, make sure to stop by the museum.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesMAM - Museum of Modern Art Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Parque do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20021-140, Brazil
Phone: (21) 3883-5600
Official Website: MAM - Museum of Modern Art
MAM - Museum of Modern Art Reviews
Rated out of 5
The Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro (MAM, Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro) is housed in striking Modernist buildings and surrounded by gardens designed in the same style. The current exhibit (writing on 02/2026) is of art from the collection of the late businessman and diplomat Gilberto Chateaubriand (1925-2022). His 8,000 pieces was the largest privately-held collection of Brazilian art and the majority of these are now on permanent loan to the MAM. The range of the displayed pieces was incredible and I found plenty to appreciate and like.
The location is within walking distance of Rio’s Centro. Admission is voluntary and you can even enter for free.
From the galleries, you can get a nice view of the bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.
JJ G - a month ago
Such a cool venue! We had a great time here on the Jason Mraz South America tour. Too bad we were only here for a day 😪
B.Spaun- tech for Jason Mraz
Brian Spaun - 4 weeks ago
Elegant and well designed place. Professionally organized and super friendly staff. Highly recommended.
Also an awesome view of the harbor. Free admission is fantastic.
Dingfan Hu - 2 months ago
The exhibition is limited but fascinating. It’s architecture is beautiful. It seems that its gardens are unique. Though, since they were preparing a COP30 event, they didn’t give access to the garden. Isn’t this contradictory? Where is the respect to the citizens that had a public space restricted?
Mark Barone - 5 months ago
I really enjoyed visiting the MAM in Rio. The museum has a great location and the building itself is already worth the visit — the architecture, the open spaces, and the view around it make the experience very pleasant, even before you go inside.
The exhibitions are interesting and well curated, with a good mix of modern and contemporary art. It’s not overwhelming, which I liked — you can take your time, walk calmly, and actually connect with the works instead of rushing through rooms.
I also liked how the space feels open and relaxed. It’s a good place to reflect, take a break from the city, and see art in a lighter, more accessible way. The surrounding area adds a lot to the experience, especially if you go on a nice day.
Overall, MAM is definitely worth visiting if you’re in Rio, whether you’re really into art or just want a cultural experience in a beautiful setting.
Pablo Vinicius - 3 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - Green | Cinelândia | 10 Minutes |
How to get to MAM - Museum of Modern Art by Metro
Exit at Cinelândia Station and walk south along the east sidewalk of Avenida Rio Branco (runs along the east edge of the plaza) until you get to Av. Beira Mar and go left. Walk to the pedestrian overpass and take it across to the museum.
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Accommodations near MAM - Museum of Modern Art:
Photo Gallery
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The space underneath the Museum of Modern Art is popular for public gatherings and events cc licensed photo by marcusrg -
Inside the MAM cc licensed photo by Glovebr2008 -
Photo Credit: Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro -
Photo Credit: Marcus Daniel -
Photo Credit: Janavi -
Photo Credit: Konstantine Sofer -
Photo Credit: Alvaro Silvera
