Catete Palace - Museum of the Republic

Museu da República is a showcase for the history of Brazil of which it is a part

Facade of Catete Palace - home of the Museum of the Republic
Facade of Catete Palace - home of the Museum of the Republic cc licensed photo by Ministério da Cultura

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

Official Website: Museu da República

Fee: Yes - Half price on Wednesdays and Sundays

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Tuesday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Category: Museums

Address: R. do Catete, 153
Rio de Janeiro - RJ 22220-000
Brazil

Phone: +55 21 2127-0324

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
3.5 out of 5 3.5 Star Rating
Based on 9 Reviews.

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5 Star Rating The Museu da República is housed within the Palácio do Catete and was Brazil's presidential palace from 1894 to 1960. It was turned into a museum after the... Read More

Ryan A. Oct-24-2015

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - GreenCatete

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

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Video


This video gives you and in depth tour of the palatial Museum of the Republic in Rio de Janeiro

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