museum · Guapimirim, RJ
Centro de Visitantes Museu von Martius
Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion, it honors the German naturalist Carl von Martius, author of Flora Brasiliensis. It has a permanent photo exhibit, a scale model of the park and botanical collections.
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 Centro de Visitantes Museu von Martius
The Centro de Visitantes Museu von Martius is the information and exhibit center at the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, known as Parnaso. It occupies a 19th-century mansion, restored with its original features, on an open lawn with the mountain peaks right behind.
The mansion was part of the former Fazenda Barreira do Soberbo, which in imperial times belonged to Dr. Henrique José Dias. The name honors the German naturalist Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, author of Flora Brasiliensis, a work that described thousands of Brazilian plants.
Inside there is a permanent exhibit with photos and information about the park, a scale model of the whole Parnaso area and material related to von Martius's work. The space also has a video library and a small auditorium used for environmental education activities.
It is a good first stop to get to know the park before heading to the trails, the Rio Soberbo pools and the headquarters chapel. The visit is easy and suits all ages.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 30 to 40 minutes is enough to see the exhibit, the scale model and the outside of the mansion.
Best time
Early in the morning, before heading to the trails and pools; on a clear day the mountain peaks appear behind the mansion. On a rainy day, it is a good indoor option within the park.
How to get there
It is at the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, at km 98 of the BR-116 (Rio–Teresópolis), at the start of the climb into the mountains. By car, enter through the headquarters gate; the mansion is in the visitor area.
Tip
Start your visit to the headquarters here: the scale model helps you understand where the trails and pools are. Check access rules and hours on the park's official website.
Official website
A look at the place
Centro de Visitantes Museu von Martius 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 Centro de Visitantes Museu von Martius
What is there to see at the Museu von Martius?
A permanent exhibit with photos and information about the park, a scale model of the whole Parnaso area, material on von Martius's work, a video library and a small auditorium.
Who was von Martius?
Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius was a German naturalist, author of Flora Brasiliensis, a work that described thousands of Brazilian plants.
Where is the Museu von Martius?
At the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, at km 98 of the BR-116 (Rio–Teresópolis).
Is there an entrance fee?
The museum is inside the national park. Check the access rules and hours for the Guapimirim headquarters on Parnaso's official website.
How long does the visit take?
About 30 to 40 minutes. You can combine it with the chapel, trails and pools at the same headquarters.