RIO DE JANEIRO — On the eve of reopening its doors to the public, Brazil’s National Museum showcased glimpses of its restored structure and collection, marking a pivotal moment seven years after a catastrophic fire ravaged much of its contents and facility.
Journalists and selected guests were granted early access to the revitalized museum in Rio de Janeiro, where they could appreciate a substantial portion of its extensive 20-million-item collection.
Camilo Santana, Brazil’s Education Minister, addressed the press, revealing that the museum’s full renovation is projected to be completed by the end of 2027. He also noted that the reconstruction, estimated to cost nearly 517 million Brazilian reais (approximately $95 million), is being funded collaboratively by both public and private sectors.
Housed in a building that once served as a royal palace—the former seat of the united Portuguese and Brazilian empire—the museum became its home for the collection in 1892.
Upon entering, visitors will encounter a symbol of the museum’s endurance: the Bendego meteorite. This massive 5.6-ton space rock was discovered 241 years ago in Bahia’s countryside.
In the aftermath of the 2020 fire that engulfed the old palace, Brazil’s Federal Police concluded their investigation by ruling out criminal intent. The fire’s origin was traced to an air conditioning unit located inside an auditorium at the front entrance, with no evidence of arson being found.
The museum has managed to retrieve some artifacts following the blaze, including significant portions of the skull of Luzia, a woman whose remains are considered one of the oldest human fossils discovered in the Americas. Luzia’s remains remain one of the museum’s most treasured pieces.
Reconstruction efforts faced interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily halting progress.