museum · São José, SC
Museu Histórico Gilberto Gerlach
It occupies a colonial townhouse from the 1770s that belonged to Luiz Ferreira de Mello, president of the province, and hosted Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1845. The collection, with about 5,000 pieces, ranges from Indigenous objects to porcelain, weapons, coins and historic documents.
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 Histórico Gilberto Gerlach
The Museu Histórico Gilberto Gerlach, also called the Museu Histórico de São José, occupies the Solar dos Ferreira de Mello, a Portuguese-Brazilian colonial townhouse in São José's Historic Center, in Greater Florianópolis. It was the first building listed as municipal heritage and is also protected by the state.
The mansion was the home of the Ferreira de Mello family, with a store on the ground floor and living quarters upstairs. In 1845, it hosted Emperor Dom Pedro II, who took part in a hand-kissing ceremony there. Over time, it also housed the National Guard, a military school and, during the Federalist Revolution of 1893, the seat of the Provisional Government. Restored in 1984, it became a museum in 1988.
The collection, all donated by the community, includes more than 3,000 pieces: porcelain, weapons, furniture, musical instruments, religious objects and items of Azorean culture. One of the best-remembered pieces is the sword Dom Pedro II gave Colonel Luiz Ferreira do Nascimento Mello during his visit. There's also a memorial to Gilberto Gerlach, the filmmaker and historian the museum is named after, and an art gallery on the lower floor with temporary exhibitions.
The visit is quick and relaxed, good for history lovers and families. It goes well with a walk through the Historic Center, with the main church, the square and the surrounding mansions.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Between 40 minutes and 1 hour to see the collection at a relaxed pace.
Best time
On weekdays, in the morning or early afternoon, so you can also stroll the Historic Center in good light; the museum opens mainly on weekdays, so check the hours on the official website.
How to get there
It's on Rua Gaspar Neves, in São José's Historic Center, near the City Council, about 8 km from downtown Florianópolis. You can get there by car, bus or ride-hailing app; in the Historic Center, everything is on foot.
Tip
Book the guided tour "Conhecer São José" through the city hall to visit the museum along with the other historic sites downtown.
Official website
A look at the place
Museu Histórico Gilberto Gerlach 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 Histórico Gilberto Gerlach
Is there an entrance fee for the Museu Histórico de São José?
No. Admission is free.
Is the museum open on weekends?
The museum opens mainly on weekdays, with special openings on some fair Sundays in the Historic Center. Check the hours on the city hall's official website before you go.
How long does the visit take?
Between 40 minutes and 1 hour is enough to see the collection.
What is in the collection?
More than 3,000 pieces donated by the community, such as porcelain, weapons, furniture, musical instruments, religious objects and items of Azorean culture, plus the sword Dom Pedro II gave as a gift during his 1845 visit.
Is there a guided tour?
Yes. Groups can book a guided visit, and the city hall offers the Conhecer São José guided tour of the Historic Center, also by appointment.