museum · Petrópolis, RJ
Museu Imperial
Housed in Dom Pedro II's former summer palace, it holds hundreds of thousands of items from the imperial period, including the emperor's crown. Visitors walk through the halls in felt slippers to protect the original floors.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museu Imperial
The palace where Dom Pedro II spent his summers was built between 1845 and 1862, designed by engineer Júlio Frederico Koeler, and it explains the city itself: Petrópolis grew up around the imperial residence. In 1940, Getúlio Vargas created the Museu Imperial there, which opened to the public in 1943.
Today it is the main museum of the Empire in Brazil, with about 300,000 items. The rooms display furniture, jewelry and artworks of the imperial family, Dom Pedro II's coronation robes and the gold pen Princess Isabel used to sign the Lei Áurea (the law abolishing slavery) in 1888. Dom Pedro II's crown, with 639 diamonds and 77 pearls, is also part of the collection.
The visit has its own ritual. You slip felt slippers over your shoes to protect the original floor, and photography is not allowed inside the palace. You can photograph the gardens around the building and the carriage pavilion as much as you like.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About two hours, including the gardens.
Best time
The museum is closed on Mondays. If you arrive early, you can start with the gardens, which open before the palace.
How to get there
Rua da Imperatriz, 220, in the historic center. From Rio it is about 70 km on the BR-040. The cathedral, the Casa de Santos Dumont and the Palácio de Cristal are within walking distance.
Tip
Almost all museums in Petrópolis close on Mondays. To see the whole city in one day, choose another day of the week.
Official website
A look at the place
Museu Imperial 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 Imperial
Can you take photos at the Museu Imperial?
Not inside the palace. In the gardens and the carriage pavilion, yes.
Is the museum open on Mondays?
No. It is open Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays.
Why do you have to wear slippers?
To protect the palace's original floor. You slip them on over your shoes at the entrance.
How long does the visit take?
About two hours, including the palace and the gardens.