museum · Natal, RN
Museu Câmara Cascudo
Linked to UFRN (the federal university), it started in 1960 as the Câmara Cascudo Institute of Anthropology and became a museum in 1973. The collection includes pieces of paleontology, geology, zoology, ethnography and archaeology.
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 Câmara Cascudo
Museu Câmara Cascudo is the museum of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). It is considered the largest museum in the state and one of the leading university museums in the country. It is on Avenida Hermes da Fonseca, in the Tirol neighborhood.
It was born in 1960 as the university's Institute of Anthropology, a research center. In the 1970s it became a museum and took the name of folklorist and historian Luís da Câmara Cascudo, one of the professors involved in its creation.
The collection brings together the natural and human sciences. The exhibits cover paleontology, archaeology, speleology, comparative anatomy, Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian culture and folk culture. There are fossils, animal skeletons and pieces of northeastern Brazilian folk art.
It is a good outing for families with children, students and anyone who wants to understand the natural history and culture of Rio Grande do Norte. It is also a good option for rainy days.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours to go through the exhibits at leisure.
Best time
On weekday mornings, when it is usually quieter; it is also a good alternative on rainy or very sunny days.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Hermes da Fonseca, in the Tirol neighborhood, in central Natal. You can get there by bus, taxi or ride-hailing app; the avenue is one of the city's main roads.
Tip
The museum is not open every day: check visiting days and hours on the museum's official channels before you go. Groups and schools should book their visit in advance.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu Câmara Cascudo
What is there at Museu Câmara Cascudo?
Exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, speleology, comparative anatomy, Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian culture and folk culture, with fossils, animal skeletons and folk art.
Where is Museu Câmara Cascudo?
On Avenida Hermes da Fonseca, in the Tirol neighborhood, in Natal. It belongs to UFRN (the federal university).
Who was Câmara Cascudo?
Luís da Câmara Cascudo was a historian and folklorist from Rio Grande do Norte, one of the professors involved in creating UFRN's former Institute of Anthropology, which gave rise to the museum.
Is Museu Câmara Cascudo open on weekends?
Visiting days may change. Check days and hours on the museum's official channels before you go.
Is Museu Câmara Cascudo good for kids?
Yes. Fossils and animal skeletons usually catch children's attention, and the visit is indoors.