museum · Ouro Preto, MG
Museu da Inconfidência
Housed in the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Town Hall and Jail), on Praça Tiradentes, it holds the collection linked to the Inconfidência Mineira (a 1789 independence plot) and items from colonial daily life. It also keeps the remains of the conspirators in the Panteão dos Inconfidentes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu da Inconfidência
The Museu da Inconfidência occupies the old Casa de Câmara e Cadeia (Town Hall and Jail) of Vila Rica, the largest building on Praça Tiradentes, in Ouro Preto. It is the most visited museum in town and tells the story of the Inconfidência Mineira (a 1789 independence plot) and of life in Minas in the gold era.
Construction of the building began in 1785. The jail was on the ground floor; the town council was upstairs. The facade has a portico of columns rising to the upper floor, crowned by a triangular pediment, and a tower with a bell and clock. The museum opened in 1944.
The collection includes documents from the Inconfidência, furniture, everyday colonial objects, silverware and sacred art, with pieces attributed to Aleijadinho and paintings by Mestre Ataíde. The most striking spot is the Panteão dos Inconfidentes (Pantheon of the Conspirators), with the tombstones holding the remains of conspirators, among them the poet Tomás Antônio Gonzaga.
It is a visit for all ages and a good way to understand the town before setting off to the churches. The museum stands at the top of the square, the starting point for almost every walking tour.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour and a half lets you go through the rooms and the Pantheon at a relaxed pace; history lovers may stay two hours.
Best time
Right at opening time, before the groups, or on a rainy day, since the visit is entirely indoors. From April to September it rains less in Ouro Preto.
How to get there
It is on Praça Tiradentes, the center of Ouro Preto, across from the monument to Tiradentes. From anywhere in the historic center you can walk there, along steep stone streets.
Tip
Start your day here: after seeing the collection, the town and its churches make much more sense. Check the hours on the official website, because they vary by day of the week.
Official website
A look at the place
Museu da Inconfidência 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 da Inconfidência
Is there an entrance fee for the Museu da Inconfidência?
According to the official Ibram (Brazilian Institute of Museums) website, admission is free. Check before you go, because the rules may change.
What is in the Museu da Inconfidência?
Documents from the Inconfidência Mineira (a 1789 independence plot), furniture and objects from the colonial period, sacred art with pieces attributed to Aleijadinho and the Panteão dos Inconfidentes, with the remains of the conspirators.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour and a half; history lovers may stay two hours.
Where is the Museu da Inconfidência?
On Praça Tiradentes, in the center of Ouro Preto, across from the monument to Tiradentes.
What are the Museu da Inconfidência's opening hours?
The hours vary by day of the week. Check the museum's official website before you go.