museum · São João del-Rei, MG
Museu Regional de São João del-Rei
It occupies the townhouse of commander João Antônio da Silva Mourão, one of the most refined residences of the Second Reign (the reign of Emperor Pedro II), listed in 1946 and opened as a museum in 1963. The collection includes furniture, sacred art and 19th-century sculptures.
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 Regional de São João del-Rei
The Museu Regional de São João del-Rei is housed in a three-story townhouse built in 1859 for commander João Antônio da Silva Mourão, a wealthy merchant. His shop was on the ground floor, and the upper floors were the family residence. It is one of the most refined houses of the Second Reign (the reign of Emperor Pedro II) in town.
The building came close to being demolished and was listed as a heritage site in 1946. After a long restoration, it opened as a museum in 1963. Today it is run by the Brazilian Institute of Museums (Ibram).
The collection shows daily life in Minas Gerais in the 18th and 19th centuries: furniture, sacred art, statues of saints from various towns in Minas, work tools and means of transportation of the time. Among the pieces are statues attributed to Aleijadinho and Mestre Piranga and an 18th-century organ. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, recitals and talks.
The visit is relaxed and good for those who enjoy history. The old building has stairs between floors; people with reduced mobility should check with the museum about access beforehand.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
1 hour to 1 and a half hours to see the three floors at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Tuesday to Saturday, in the morning or early afternoon, any time of year; on rainy days it is a good indoor option.
How to get there
It is on Rua Marechal Deodoro, on Largo Tamandaré, in the historic center, on the banks of the Córrego do Lenheiro (stream) and near the Igreja do Carmo. From the center, you can walk.
Tip
According to the official website, the museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays; check the hours on the website before you go. Take the chance to see the facade from the other bank of the Córrego do Lenheiro, from where the towers of the Carmo church also appear.
Official website
A look at the place
Museu Regional de São João del-Rei 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 Regional de São João del-Rei
What is in the Museu Regional de São João del-Rei?
Furniture, sacred art, statues of saints, work tools and means of transportation from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as temporary exhibitions.
Where is the Museu Regional de São João del-Rei?
On Rua Marechal Deodoro, on Largo Tamandaré, in the historic center, on the banks of the Córrego do Lenheiro (stream) and near the Igreja do Carmo.
What is the history of the Museu Regional building?
It is the townhouse of commander João Antônio da Silva Mourão, built in 1859. It was listed as a heritage site in 1946 and opened as a museum in 1963.
What days is the Museu Regional de São João del-Rei open?
According to the official Ibram (Brazilian Institute of Museums) website, it is open Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Mondays and Sundays. Check the hours on the website before you go.
How long does it take to visit the Museu Regional?
About 1 hour to 1 and a half hours to go through the three floors.