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Museum · Araçuaí, MG
Museum of Araçuaí – A Gift from Frei Xico and Lira Marques
Museum created by artist Lira Marques and the friar Frei Chico, with objects, documents and works about religiosity, customs and the history of the Vale do Jequitinhonha.
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 Museum of Araçuaí – A Gift from Frei Xico and Lira Marques
The Araçuaí Museum preserves the memory of popular culture in the middle Jequitinhonha. It was created by artist Maria Lira Marques, born in the town in 1945, and by the Dutch Franciscan friar Francisco van der Poel, known as Frei Chico, who lived for decades in the valley researching its religiosity and the people’s songs. Before the museum, the two already worked together in the Coral Trovadores do Vale.
The collection brings together devotional objects, everyday items, documents and photographs gathered from homes in the town and rural areas. Each item was recorded with the name of the donor and the place it came from. Lira Marques went through the neighborhood with a recorder to capture prayers, blessings and songs of washerwomen and work songs.
The museum also displays works by regional artists, including pieces by Lira Marques, known for her clay works and drawings with natural pigments on stone, which have been shown in major museums in the country. Books and writings by Frei Chico on the valley’s culture are part of the collection.
A visit helps to understand the Festa do Rosário, the drum players, the choirs and the crafts that appear throughout the region. Opening hours may change; confirm before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour; longer if there is mediation or conversation with the staff.
Best time
In the morning, when the heat is lower. In October, near the Festa do Rosário, the town is more active with traditions related to the museum.
How to get there
The museum is on Rua Floriano Peixoto, near Araçuaí’s center, and is within walking distance of the main accommodations. Those arriving at the bus station can take a taxi or motorcycle taxi.
Tip
Ask about choir performances and traditional singing groups in town during your stay. Confirm opening days and times before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museum of Araçuaí – A Gift from Frei Xico and Lira Marques
Who created the Araçuaí Museum?
The artist Maria Lira Marques and the Franciscan friar Frei Chico, who researched for years the popular culture of the Vale do Jequitinhonha.
What is in the Araçuaí Museum?
Devotional objects, everyday items, documents, photographs and works by regional artists, with emphasis on the works of Lira Marques.
Who was Frei Chico?
Francisco van der Poel, a Dutch Franciscan friar who lived for decades in the Vale do Jequitinhonha, founded the Coral Trovadores do Vale and wrote about Brazilian popular religiosity.