Museu da Republica, Rio de Janeiro

Through works of art, furniture, documents, and presidential memorabilia, as well as temporary exhibitions, Museu da Republica provides you with a fascinating synopsis of Brazil’s Republican history and culture. Housed in Palácio do Catete, as you take a tour you will see rooms decorated in different themes, including Venetian, Pompeii, French, and Moorish. Make sure you look closely at the interesting ceilings; some bear Brazil’s national arms, while others are dominated by neoclassical frescoes. The opulence of the residence, complete with bronze condors on the eaves, gives you a good sense of how profitable the coffee trade was, built as it was by Antônio Clemente Pinto, one of Brazil’s wealthiest merchants. Among other things, the palace has served as the official residence of the president of Brazil, the last of which, Getúlio Vargas, committed suicide when facing an imminent coup. The bedroom in which he died has been eerily preserved, and inside you can see the bullet that killed him. Put Museu da Republica at the forefront of your travel plans using our Rio de Janeiro trip itinerary planner.