Catete Palace - Museum of the Republic
Museu da República is a showcase for the history of Brazil of which it is a part
What started off as a palatial home and then turned into a hotel and then a presidential home is now the Museum of the Republic (Museu da República), housing a wealth of information and artifacts pertaining to the history of Brazil.
The museum stands on a street called Rua do Catete and is a beautiful neoclassical structure complete with a small but beautifully kept public garden. This structure has changed hands a number of times over the centuries but has not lost any of the historical artefacts housed in it and these are what you will find displayed when you visit the museum.
Construction of the building started in the year 1858 as a residence for the family of Antonio Clemente Pinto. Portuguese born Antonio Clemente Pinto was a Baron of Nova Friburgo and made his riches as a coffee grower. He hired the services of German architect Carl Friedrich Gustav Waehneldt to design the palace in the neoclassical style. The construction was officially finished in 1867 but further changes were made in renovations in 1883. This urban mansion was called, Catete Palace.
When the couple died their son sold the property in 1889 to a group of investors who had intentions to turn it into a hotel. Soon after they bought the palace they went bankrupt as the economy at that time was not doing very well.
After its short stint as a hotel it became Brazil's presidential palace, housing many heads of state. The story of the last president who took up residence in the Presidential palace ended in tragedy. In a bid to avoid a military coup d'etat President Getulio Vargas committed suicide. The President killed himself by shooting himself in the heart. He was found in his bedroom which was situated on the third floor of the Palace. Should you make the trip to the Palace you will find that the room in which the President committed suicide left in the same state it was on that day. His pyjamas were replaced and the clock was stopped at the moment he took his life. It may seem eerie to some, but for those who loved this President and who appreciate his efforts in leading Brazil, it is a place of homage.
Going to the Museum of the Republic (Museu da República) is definitely worth the visit especially for those interested in the political history of Brazil.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - Half price on Wednesdays and SundaysMuseu da República Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: R. do Catete, 153 - Catete, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22220-000, Brazil
Official Website: Museu da República
Museu da República Reviews
Rated out of 5
What a wonderful free piece of history!
Pro:
- free
- multiples expositions
- garden, modern art, main palace
- haunted (so they say)
- blood soaked pijamas!
- incredible entry way
Con:
- nothing
100% worth visiting if in rio
Brian “CoFii” Adams - 3 weeks ago
The museum is free and quite small,you can finish in about 20 minutes. Around it, there are nice coffee shops and a park to enjoy.
Sam Senoglu - a month ago
Closed for renovation! I'm probably the only North American in Rio right now who has read about Getulio Vargas and I'm sure I'm the only North American staying in Copacabana right now who really, really, really wanted to see the exact place where Getulio committed suicide! But the museum has been closed for renovation since February 1, 2025. Update this, Google maps! But the museum's garden (park) is open and it's free to visit. Very nice, calm, and green, with friendly ducks/geese. This must be Rio's nicest, cleanest, greenest park!
David G. - 4 months ago
I loved this place. Note that there is a park next to it. Both the park and the museum are amazing. The architecture and paintings give s complete aesthetic view for amazing pictures. The park on the other hand is brought out of a fairy tail. I fell in love with it, the trees, vegetation, ducks, gooses, etc, the tiny cave it just looks amazing. Perfect for chilling for a while while recovering strength. A definitive must for people who enjoy pictures and peace.
C Daniel Aguilar C - a month ago
Braziluan history , lovely museum and beautiful park .
Ines C - a month ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - Green | Catete |
How to get to Museu da República by Metro
Museum of the Republic is located directly across the road to the east from Catete Station
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Museu da República:
Photo Gallery
-
Opulent interior of Catete Palace cc licensed photo by A C Moraes -
Staircase and stained glass skylight inside the museum cc licensed photo by A C Moraes -
Beautiful grounds behind Museu da República cc licensed photo by A C Moraes
