“Behind the Scenes of Science” and “Aftermath of Memories” will be on display from June 21 to August 30. Admission is free, and tickets will be made available weekly through Sympla.
The National Museum/UFRJ and the partners of the National Museum Lives Project (Projeto Museu Nacional Vive – PMNV), a technical cooperation between UFRJ, UNESCO, and Instituto Cultural Vale, are once again opening the doors of the São Cristóvão Palace for a special program. From June 21 to August 30, visitors will be able to explore two new exhibitions spread across six rooms of the historic building currently undergoing reconstruction.
Developed by the Museum and PMNV teams, “Behind the Scenes of Science” reveals the institution’s creative and scientific strength by showcasing techniques, processes, and practices that combine scientific rigor with a strong aesthetic dimension. From restoration to paleoart, digital modeling to taxidermy, scientific illustration to advanced collection conservation techniques, the exhibition highlights the professions, knowledge, and craftsmanship that shape the daily life of a science museum.
Among the exhibition’s highlights are musical instruments created by luthier Davi Lopes using wood recovered from the Museum fire. “I did not focus my eyes on destruction, but on renewal. I am honored to be part of the reconstruction of our Museum,” says Davi. The exhibition also features restored archaeological finds and historical ornaments, as well as a collection of scientific specimens donated by the Swedish Museum of Natural History, displayed in a showcase celebrating the bicentennial of Brazil–Sweden relations.
“Aftermath of Memories” is a solo exhibition by artist Vik Muniz, consisting of photographs and sculptures created from ashes and fragments of objects recovered from the palace. Installed in the very room where the 2018 fire began—where visitors can still see steel beams twisted by the flames—the exhibition reflects on loss, memory, and reconstruction while reaffirming the Museum’s resilience and capacity for reinvention.
According to Ronaldo Fernandes, Director of the National Museum/UFRJ, “together, the exhibitions reaffirm the vitality of the institution, bringing together art, science, and innovation to connect the public with both its history and its future.” Lucia Basto, Executive Manager of the National Museum Lives Project, adds: “This is yet another opportunity to closely follow the Museum’s reconstruction and experience new perspectives within this transforming palace, which reaffirms its social role by fostering encounters between science and art.”
According to Vik Muniz, “by transforming remnants into artistic heritage, I propose a reflection on the power of memory, imagination, and collective reconstruction. It is not only about what was lost. Above all, it is about what remains—and what can be reborn.”
For Mariana Luz, Director of Private Social Investment and Culture at Vale, “through innovative exhibitions that reinterpret its collections and trajectory, the National Museum keeps its relationship with the public alive and reinforces its role as one of the most important cultural, educational, and scientific institutions in Brazil and worldwide. This initiative reaffirms the commitment of all partners involved in rebuilding this emblematic Museum.”
The special program is developed by the National Museum Lives Project, the result of a technical cooperation between UFRJ, UNESCO, and Instituto Cultural Vale. The initiative is supported through Brazil’s Cultural Incentive Law, under the Ministry of Culture and the Federal Government. Financial support is provided by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES); platinum sponsorship by Vale and Bradesco; silver sponsorship by Itaú; bronze sponsorship by Axia Energia and Cosan; and additional support from J.P. Morgan, Laranjinha Itaú, and Shell. The National Congress, the Ministry of Education (MEC), and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) are also partners. The exhibition “Aftermath of Memories” is sponsored by CAIXA through the Cultural Incentive Law, Ministry of Culture, Federal Government.
Special Program Reflects Progress in the Museum’s Reconstruction
Reconstruction works and services at the National Museum/UFRJ headquarters are currently concentrated in the rear section of the palace (Block 4), allowing public events to take place in the front area of the historic building.
According to Roberto Medronho, Rector of UFRJ, “these exhibitions demonstrate that the National Museum is more alive than ever, and that its community continues to strengthen its noble mission of producing science, preserving collections, educating people, and sharing knowledge with society by integrating research, teaching, memory, culture, and science education.”
Marlova Noleto, Director and UNESCO Representative in Brazil, highlights: “UNESCO has had the satisfaction of being a partner in the reconstruction of the National Museum since 2018. Today, we can see how completed projects and interventions are gradually returning the Museum to society, with renewed facilities and profound respect for the institution’s heritage and history. The two new exhibitions, ‘Behind the Scenes of Science’ and ‘Aftermath of Memories’—the latter by artist Vik Muniz, a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador—reflect this respect and the dedication of all partners involved. UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to the National Museum, a world-renowned institution in the human and natural sciences, and to all partners of the National Museum Lives Project, in support of culture, education, and the preservation of Brazilian heritage.”
BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante emphasizes that “BNDES is responsible for 50% of the restoration of Brazil’s historic heritage. The reconstruction of the National Museum, which has already received R$100 million from the bank, is part of the institution’s and President Lula’s government’s commitment to preserving the culture and history of the Brazilian people.”
SERVICE INFORMATION
TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM/UFRJ 2026
“Behind the Scenes of Science” and “Aftermath of Memories”
June 21 – August 30
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free admission. Tickets must be reserved through Sympla.
Tickets for each week’s sessions will be available starting at 1:00 p.m. every Monday.
On Sunday, June 21, admission will be free and open from 9:00 a.m., with no ticket reservation required.
LIBRAS-guided visits with spoken Portuguese interpretation: Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting June 27.
Visits for people with intellectual disabilities and/or neurodevelopmental disorders during dedicated hours: Fridays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., starting June 26. These visitors are also welcome on any other day and time.
School groups and social projects: appointments can be scheduled via email at agendamento.exposicao@mn.ufrj.br
For more information: www.museunacionalvive.org.br
