museum · Manaus, AM
Museu da Amazônia (MUSA)
An open-air museum inside the Reserva Adolpho Ducke, with forest trails, an orchid house and a pond of giant Amazon water lilies. The 42-meter tower puts you above the treetops.
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 Amazônia (MUSA)
The Museu da Amazônia, or MUSA, is an open-air museum. Created in 2009, it covers about 100 hectares inside the Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke, an area of upland forest studied for decades by the National Institute for Amazon Research (Inpa), on the northern edge of Manaus.
The visit is a walk through the forest. The trails pass huge trees, such as an angelim-pedra of impressive size, and lead to the enclosures: the giant Amazon water lily pond, the orchid house with bromeliads, aquariums with regional fish, a snake house and a butterfly house. There are also exhibits on Indigenous peoples, archaeology and biodiversity.
The highlight is the observation tower, 42 meters high with 242 steps, with intermediate platforms for resting. At the top, you are above the treetops and see the forest stretch to the horizon, with the city in the distance.
The climb up the tower is all by stairs and requires reasonable fitness. The trails are dirt, with roots and uneven stretches. It is an outing for anyone who enjoys nature, birdwatching and photography, and it works well with older children.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow at least half a day, about three hours, for the trails, the enclosures and the climb up the tower.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the forest is cooler and the animals are more active, or late in the afternoon, to watch the sunset from the tower; sunrise and sunset at the tower require booking. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Margarita, in the north zone of Manaus, next to the Reserva Adolpho Ducke, far from the historic center. The easiest way is by car, taxi or ride-hailing app; there are also bus lines that pass near the entrance.
Tip
Wear closed-toe shoes, which are required, bring water and use insect repellent, but not inside the butterfly house. A guided tour helps you spot animals and plants you would otherwise miss; check hours, prices and booking on the official website.
Official website
A look at the place
Museu da Amazônia (MUSA) 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 Amazônia (MUSA)
Is there an entrance fee for the Museu da Amazônia?
Yes, there is an entrance fee, with half-price tickets for some visitors. Guided tours, sunrise and sunset at the tower and birdwatching cost extra and require booking. Check prices on the official website.
Is MUSA open every day?
No. The museum is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance. Check the hours on the official website.
Is it hard to climb the MUSA tower?
It takes some fitness: it is 42 meters and 242 steps, with no elevator, and there are intermediate platforms for resting.
How long does the visit take?
About three hours to walk the trails, see the enclosures and climb the tower without rushing.
Can you walk there from downtown Manaus?
No. MUSA is in the north zone, next to the Reserva Adolpho Ducke, far from downtown. Go by car, taxi, ride-hailing app or bus.