Imperial Museum

The Imperial Museum is located in the former Imperial Palace of Petrópolis, the favorite residence of Emperor Dom Pedro II. In truth, the building originated from the dream of Emperor Dom Pedro I, the father of the second emperor, to build his summer palace, which would be named the Palace of Concord. The dream would only be realized by his son, Dom Pedro II, starting in 1845.

After the death of Major Julio Frederico Koeler, who began the construction, several architects such as Cristóforo Bonini, Joaquim Cândido Ghilhobel, José Maria Jacinto Rebelo, and Manuel Araújo Porto-Alegre were hired to carry out the work, which was completed in 1862. The gardens, in turn, were designed by the landscaper Jean-Baptiste Binot.

Foto: Reprodução

The Palace was built in the neoclassical style, funded from the emperor's personal allocation, where he spent extended periods with his family. The construction is relatively simple when compared to European royal and imperial palaces. On the other hand, it showcases high-quality materials, including Carrara and Belgian marbles, hardwood floors, and frames made from precious woods such as jacaranda, satinwood, rosewood, cedar, and vinhatico.

The building was transformed into a museum by decree of President Getúlio Vargas on March 29, 1940, and inaugurated on March 16, 1943. It houses a significant collection of artifacts related to the Brazilian imperial period, with notable items including the imperial crowns of Dom Pedro I and Dom Pedro II, as well as the scepter used by both emperors. The Historical Archive holds over 250,000 documents, engravings, maps, and photographs, while the library boasts more than 60,000 volumes, including approximately 8,000 rare works.

The Imperial Museum is one of the most important historical and tourist attractions in Brazil, and certainly the primary cultural landmark in the city of Petrópolis.