museum · Congonhas, MG
Museu de Congonhas
Opened in 2015 at the foot of the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, it is dedicated to the sanctuary complex and the work of Aleijadinho. It brings together original pieces, replicas, ex-votos (votive offerings) and information on soapstone and the pilgrimage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museu de Congonhas
The Museu de Congonhas is next to the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, on the slope of the Morro do Maranhão (hill). It opened in December 2015 as a site museum: its role is to help visitors understand the complex recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The building was designed by architect Gustavo Penna, chosen in a national competition, and follows the slope of the land. Besides the exhibition rooms, it has a library, an auditorium, a studio, an education space, a café and an open-air amphitheater.
The long-term exhibition covers faith, the pilgrimage, ex-votos (votive offerings) and Aleijadinho's work at the sanctuary. One room holds Márcia de Moura Castro's collection of religious art and ex-votos, acquired by Iphan (Brazil's national heritage institute). The museum also has replicas of prophets made from 3D digital scans of the original sculptures in the churchyard.
The visit works well before or after seeing the sanctuary, because it provides context on the history of the site, the Stations of the Passion chapels and the prophets. Photography is allowed, without flash.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
Any time of year, ideally in the morning, before going up to the sanctuary churchyard, so you see the sculptures with the exhibition's context in mind; in September, during the Jubileu (religious festival), the sanctuary area gets very busy.
How to get there
It is on Alameda Cidade Matozinhos de Portugal, next to the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, at the top of the Morro do Maranhão (hill), in Congonhas, about 80 km from Belo Horizonte on the BR-040. From the center, you can walk up steep streets or drive.
Tip
Visit the museum before the sanctuary: the exhibition helps you notice details of the prophets and chapels that often go unnoticed. There is a café in the museum.
A look at the place
Museu de Congonhas in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu de Congonhas
Is there an entrance fee for the Museu de Congonhas?
Yes, there is an admission fee, with half price available. Check prices and free-entry days with the museum before you go.
How long does a visit to the Museu de Congonhas take?
One to two hours.
Where is the Museu de Congonhas?
Next to the Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, at the top of the Morro do Maranhão (hill).
What is in the Museu de Congonhas?
An exhibition on faith, the pilgrimage, ex-votos (votive offerings) and Aleijadinho's work at the sanctuary, with religious art and replicas of prophets made by 3D scanning.
Can I take photos at the Museu de Congonhas?
Yes, photography is allowed without flash.