MAC de Niterói - Contemporary Art Museum
The Building That Speaks For Itself : Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum
If you are coming to Niteroi for the first time you will be forgiven for thinking that the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói— MAC) is in actual fact a UFO perched above the beach on a hill. This unique architecture was designed by Oscar Neimeyer who is a very famous Brazilian modernist architect and in fact one of the leaders of the Brazilian modernist movement. The building was completed in 1996 and is one of Brazil's more famous landmarks.
The structure is like a 'flying saucer' with windows that wrap around its circumference. The building is 16 metres high and its cupola, which is 50 metres, has three floors. At the base of the structure you will find a pool known as the reflecting pool that surrounds the base like a moat. The pool covers 817 square metres and completely surrounds the museum, making the structure look like it is rising from the water. The entrance of the building is a winding, wide ramp which snakes up to the front entrance keeping to the theme of curves in the design. The overall look is very fluid and pleasing to the eye.
Once inside the big windows that wrap around the building allow a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the beaches and large sections of Rio de Janeiro.
The design of the building allows uninterrupted views of the inside of the museum and its contemporary art pieces. Some feel that there is a lack of diversity in the art work, but that is a matter of opinion.
We suggest checking the official website above to see which exhibitions are on display at the museum to help decide when you would like to go, however, it is well worth the journey just to see the striking architecture and beautiful setting of this spectacular landmark.
Admission is free to everyone on Wednesdays and to children 6 and under everyday.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes, Free on WednesdaysMAC de Niterói - Contemporary Art Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Mirante da Boa Viagem, s/nº - Boa Viagem, Niterói - RJ, 24210-390, Brazil
Official Website: MAC de Niterói - Contemporary Art Museum
MAC de Niterói - Contemporary Art Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful museum, the building per se is an art piece!!! The views are amazing.
The exhibitions were nice, I expected more from this museum to be honest. Permanent collection was nice but quite small. The temporary exhibition regarding costumes from the Carnival, really beautiful. Also, I would love to have a proper exhibition regarding the building per se, the process, construction, and so on, currently there are only a few pictures of the construction that’s it.
Ulises Brengi - a week ago
The Oscar Niemeyer building and location are very special. We also enjoyed a delicious light lunch at the restaurant there. We then spent 3 hours on the Praia Boa Viagem with the locals. Thoroughly enjoyed this day. We also caught the ferry back to Rio.
Melisa Clayton Allardice - 3 months ago
Beautiful building and site, very friendly and welcoming staff. The museum is rather small and the permanent collection was a bit disappointing (most pieces were « without title), but the expo in the main hall was amazing. Worth a visit, and Niteroi is a good escape from the busy streets of Rio.
Filip Musial - 4 months ago
Amazing architecture. The art exhibition was beautiful. I loved the proposed walking circuit by the architect. Ticket prices are fair $16 reales per person, you CANT PAY WITH CARD, it’s either purchasing tickets at the reception with cash or online.
Jesus Mario - 5 months ago
Amazing place. 2nd time in here and feels just like the first one. Architecture and items are good. Really refreshing place due his architecture. Easy to fill your schedule in rainy days in Rio. On wednesday is free.
Jean Fabricio - 3 months ago
Directions
| Metro, Ferry and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange | Carioca Station | 11 Minutes + Ferry and Bus |
How to get to MAC de Niterói - Contemporary Art Museum by Metro, Ferry and Bus
Make your way by Metro to Carioca Station. Exit and walk across the plaza towards the east and cross over to Rua San Jose. Follow it east as far as it goes passing beneath the express way into the plaza at the Praca XV ferry wharf. This is about a 10 minute walk. Purchase a ticket for the ARARIBOIA SQUARE ferry and take it across to Niteroi. Take bus 47B southbound at Araribóia Square. (This will require an additional fare). You can also walk from the Ferry Terminal in a southerly direction via Av. Visconde do Rio Ranco; left Av. Badger da Silverira; continue Rua Sao Sebastiao; Continue Rua Dr. Paul Alves; left Praia Joao Caetano (about 25 minutes).
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Photo Gallery
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Looking towards Sugar Loaf Mountain from the MAC cc licensed photo by Rodrigo Soldon -
Contemporary art exhibit inside the museum cc licensed photo by marcusrg -
Enjoying the spectacular vistas from inside the Museum of Contemporary Art in Niterói cc licensed photo by pedro botton -
Striking view of the MAM overlooking the beach cc licensed photo by Rodrigo Soldon
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