All historic houses to visit in Rio de Janeiro

Step into the past at 26 historic houses in Rio de Janeiro. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Rio de Janeiro:

  1. Royal Portuguese Reading Room1

    Royal Portuguese Reading Room

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, a library and lusophone cultural institution, is situated at Luís de Camões Street, number 30, in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city center.
  2. Ruins Park2

    Ruins Park

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Municipal Cultural Center Parque Glória Maria, previously known as the Municipal Cultural Center Parque das Ruínas, is a public park and cultural center situated in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. It is located in the ruins of a building that was once the home of Laurinda Santos Lobo, a prominent socialite of the Belle Époque era in Rio.
  3. Duque de Caxias Fort3

    Duque de Caxias Fort

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Forte Duque de Caxias, which was previously known as Forte da Vigia, Forte da Espia, and Forte do Leme, is a historical site located in the Leme neighborhood in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This fort has a rich history dating back to the 18th century and has undergone several name changes over the years. It is situated on the summit of Morro do Leme, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  4. Imperial Palace4

    Imperial Palace

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Imperial Palace, also known as Paço Imperial, is a significant historical site located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This Baroque colonial building stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess. It was built in the 18th century and has served as the residence for governors, viceroys, King Juan VI, and emperors. Today, it is a cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world with its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
  5. Fiscal Island5

    Fiscal Island

     Rio de Janeiro
    Ilha Fiscal, also known as Fiscal Island, is a significant landmark located in Guanabara Bay. It is situated near the historic city center of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. This island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  6. National History Museum6

    National History Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The National Historical Museum of Brazil, established in 1922, is home to over 287,000 items. This includes the largest numismatic collection in Latin America, making it a significant destination for those interested in history and numismatics. The museum's vast collection offers a comprehensive insight into Brazil's rich history and cultural heritage.
  7. Republic Museum7

    Republic Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Catete Palace, an urban mansion located in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, is a significant historical site. The property spans from Rua do Catete to Praia do Flamengo. The construction of this grand mansion began in 1858 and was completed in 1867, making it a testament to the architectural prowess of the era.
  8. Monument to the Dead of World War II8

    Monument to the Dead of World War II

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial, popularly known as Monumento aos Pracinhas, is a significant landmark located in Eduardo Gomes Park, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This monument was conceived by Marshal João Baptista Mascarenhas de Moraes, commander of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, to honor the Brazilian soldiers who lost their lives in Italy during World War II.
  9. Copacabana Fort9

    Copacabana Fort

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Forte de Copacabana is a military base located at the southern end of the beach in the Copacabana district of Rio de Janeiro. This historical site is open to the public and offers a unique insight into the military history of Brazil.
  10. Casa de Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca10

    Casa de Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Casa de Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca is a historic mansion that dates back to the 19th century. It is situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, making it easily accessible for tourists. The mansion's rich history and central location make it a significant point of interest for those interested in Brazil's past.
  11. Eva Klabin Foundation11

    Eva Klabin Foundation

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Eva Klabin House Museum, also known as Casa Museu Eva Klabin, is a historic house museum situated in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The museum was founded in 1990 by the renowned Brazilian collector and philanthropist, Eva Klabin. The museum is housed in the residence where Klabin lived for over thirty years, making it a unique destination that combines personal history with an extensive art collection.
  12. Museu Getúlio Vargas12

    Museu Getúlio Vargas

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Getúlio Vargas Museum, also known as the Getúlio Vargas House Museum, is a significant cultural site located in the city of São Borja in Rio Grande do Sul. The museum is dedicated to preserving the residence of former president Getúlio Vargas, offering visitors a unique insight into the life and times of one of Brazil's most influential political figures.
  13. Benjamin Constant House Museum13

    Benjamin Constant House Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Benjamin Constant House Museum is a part of the Brazilian Institute of Museums (Ibram), which falls under the Ministry of Culture. It is situated in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, a location known for its cultural and historical significance. The museum was inaugurated on October 18, 1982, in the house where Benjamin Constant Botelho de Magalhães, a professor of mathematics, engineer, and military officer, resided.
  14. Dam Museum14

    Dam Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Açude Museum, located in the Alto da Boa Vista neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a former colonial-style property that has been transformed into a museum. This unique location offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of Brazil's colonial history while enjoying the museum's diverse collections.
  15. Casa da Marquesa de Santos - Museum of Brazilian Fashion15

    Casa da Marquesa de Santos - Museum of Brazilian Fashion

     Rio de Janeiro
    This Neo-Classical building situated off the beaten path holds a collection of artefacts from the Brazilian Belle Epoque.
  16. Chácara do Céu Museum16

    Chácara do Céu Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Chácara do Céu Museum is an art museum situated in the Santa Teresa neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This museum is part of the Castro Maya Museums, along with the Açude Museum. The museum is housed in one of the former residences of businessman and patron Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, known since 1876 as Chácara do Céu.
  17. Casa França-Brasil17

    Casa França-Brasil

     Rio de Janeiro
    Casa França-Brasil is a cultural center situated in the historic heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This historic property has been repurposed and now serves as a hub for cultural activities. It is a national cultural heritage site, recognized by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN).
  18. Écomusée du Quarteirão cultural do Matadouro18

    Écomusée du Quarteirão cultural do Matadouro

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Ecomuseu Comunitário de Santa Cruz is an ecomuseum situated in the historic block of the Matadouro de Santa Cruz, in the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the local culture and heritage.
  19. Federal Justice Cultural Center19

    Federal Justice Cultural Center

     Rio de Janeiro
    The former home of the federal court has been transformed into a cultural centre - check out their exhibitions and events.
  20. Museu Histórico da Cidade20

    Museu Histórico da Cidade

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu Histórico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro, also known as Museu da Cidade, is a museum located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was established in 1934 and is housed in a complex of several buildings, including two 19th-century structures dedicated to exhibitions. The museum complex is situated in the municipal natural park Parque da Cidade in the Gávea neighborhood.
  21. Parque Lage21

    Parque Lage

     Rio de Janeiro
    Parque Lage, also known as El Parque Henrique Lage, is a public park situated in Rio de Janeiro. It is located at the foot of the Corcovado, on Jardín Botánico street. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the park while being in close proximity to the city's attractions.
  22. Museu das Remoções22

    Museu das Remoções

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu das Remoções is an open-air community museum situated in Vila Autódromo, a community in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. This unique museum offers a different perspective on the city's history and culture, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
  23. Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences23

    Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST) is a public institution run by the Brazilian Government. It is dedicated to the study and dissemination of the history of science and technology in Brazil. The museum also focuses on museology and science education. It is located at 586 General Bruce Street in the Imperial District of São Cristóvão, in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
  24. Museu Penitenciário do Estado do Rio de Janeiro24

    Museu Penitenciário do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

     Rio de Janeiro
    One of the unique aspects of the MPERJ is its display of illicit materials that have been seized from visitors and prisoners in prison units. These items range from cell phones to objects used for escape attempts. This exhibit provides a stark and tangible connection to the current reality of prisons, offering visitors a rare insight into the challenges and realities faced within these institutions.
  25. Museum of the State Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro25

    Museum of the State Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Civil Police Museum of Rio de Janeiro is a historical institution situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It offers a unique insight into the activities of the Civil Police throughout the history of Rio de Janeiro, dating back to the colonial era. The museum is housed in a French eclectic style building, constructed in 1910 by architect Heitor de Mello, adding an architectural charm to the historical significance of the museum.
  26. 26

    Museu da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro is a thematic museum dedicated to the first military and official police force established in Brazil. This museum provides a unique insight into the history and evolution of the police force in Brazil, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, law enforcement, or military affairs.