museum · Curitiba, PR
Museu Oscar Niemeyer
Known as the Museu do Olho for the shape of the annex designed by Niemeyer, it hosts art, architecture and design exhibitions. It is one of the largest exhibition spaces in Latin America.
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 Oscar Niemeyer
The Museu Oscar Niemeyer, known as MON, is Curitiba's best-known art museum and one of the largest in Latin America. It is in the Centro Cívico and hosts exhibitions of visual arts, architecture and design, with shows that change throughout the year.
The main building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1967 and completed in the 1970s, when it housed Paraná state government departments. In 2002 it became a museum, called NovoMuseu, and gained the eye-shaped annex, also by Niemeyer. Later it was renamed after the architect.
The Eye is Curitiba's most famous image: a large glass-clad volume resting on a yellow pillar, above a reflecting pool. Inside is an exhibition hall with views of the city. The horizontal building has a 65-meter free span and large galleries linked by ramps. Outside there are lawns, Portuguese stone paving designed by Burle Marx and an araucaria grove alongside.
The visit is easy and good for all ages. The museum has ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms and wheelchairs to borrow, as well as features such as a tactile model, an audio guide and Braille labels. There is a café and a shop.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Two hours lets you see the Eye and the main exhibitions at a relaxed pace; art lovers can spend the whole afternoon.
Best time
Any time of year, since the visit is almost all indoors; on rainy days it is one of the best things to do in the city. In late afternoon, the light on the Eye and the reflecting pool makes for the best outdoor photos.
How to get there
It is on Rua Marechal Hermes, in the Centro Cívico, near downtown Curitiba. The Linha Turismo stops at the museum. You can also go by car (there is parking nearby), by ride-hailing app or on foot from the historic center, on a longer walk.
Tip
There is an entrance fee, but there are free-admission days and exemptions; check the official website before you go. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Official website
A look at the place
Museu Oscar Niemeyer in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Oscar Niemeyer
Is there an entrance fee at the Museu Oscar Niemeyer?
Yes, there is an entrance fee, with half-price tickets and exemptions. There are free-admission days; check the rules and prices on the official website.
Is the Museu Oscar Niemeyer open on Mondays?
No. The museum is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday; check the hours on the official website.
How long does a visit to MON take?
About two hours to see the Eye and the main exhibitions. With many shows on, you can spend the afternoon.
Why is MON called the Eye Museum?
Because of the annex designed by Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 2002: an eye-shaped volume resting on a yellow pillar, which has become a symbol of Curitiba.
Can I bring a dog to the Museu Oscar Niemeyer?
No. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed, with the required identification.