Brazil National Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public this week, seven years after a fire destroyed most of its historic building and collection.
The renovated museum in Rio de Janeiro offered a preview to journalists and special guests on Monday. Much of its 20-million-item collection has been restored or rebuilt.
Brazil’s Education Minister Camilo Santana said the full renovation is expected by 2027. The project has a $95 million budget from both public and private sources.
The former royal palace once housed the Portuguese and Brazilian empire. It became the National Museum in 1892.
One of the first items visitors will see is the Bendego meteorite — a 5.6-ton symbol of survival that withstood the flames.
The fire began in 2018, likely caused by a faulty air conditioning unit. Federal police ruled out arson in their investigation.
Among the key recovered items is Luzia’s skull, one of the oldest human fossils found in the Americas. Recovery work was paused during the pandemic but resumed as conditions improved.
The museum’s reopening marks a new chapter for one of Brazil’s most iconic institutions.
