Estação Museu Nacional opens its doors to the school community

On August 29, the Museu Nacional/UFRJ and its partner institutions inaugurated the exhibition “Um Museu de Descobertas” (A Museum of Discoveries), marking the beginning of activities at the new Estação Museu Nacional, a space dedicated to educational initiatives at the museum.

The Estação Museu Nacional is open for visits from school groups and other scheduled visitors. This new educational hub was implemented in collaboration with the Museu Nacional Vive Project, a technical partnership between UFRJ, UNESCO, and the Vale Cultural Institute, with financial support from BNDES and platinum sponsorship from Bradesco and Vale. Additionally, the exhibition received complementary sponsorship from Rede D’Or.

The 433 m² space is located in the São Cristóvão neighborhood, part of the Campus de Pesquisa e Ensino Museu Nacional/UFRJ complex. It is conveniently close to metro and train stations, the Maracanã stadium, the Mangueira community, and the main museum building, which is currently under restoration.

Alexander Kellner, Director of the Museu Nacional/UFRJ, emphasized the significance of the new space: “We celebrate the opening of this new space, which will display objects stemming from research conducted by all the museum’s scientific departments after the 2018 fire, demonstrating the relevance and resilience of our institution.”

Highlights of the “Um Museu de Descobertas” exhibition include original fossils like the Brazilian dinosaur Berthasaura leopoldinae, Egyptian artifacts, a Karajá doll, carnival accessories, 3D models, photographs, and records from scientific expeditions. The exhibition showcases the diversity of knowledge and topics the museum engages with, such as biodiversity, environmental conservation, cultural diversity, the history of science, and evolution.

Juliana Sayão, the Museum’s Associate Director of Museum and Society Integration, stated, “The opening of the Estação is an important step as the museum continues its restoration work. It provides a precious opportunity to fulfill our educational mission, bringing the science our researchers have been producing to the public.”

Roberto Medronho, Rector of UFRJ, emphasized the alignment of the Estação with the University’s extension program, adding that the space will host educational programs and events such as the UFRJ’s Academic Integration Week, the National Science and Technology Week, and the Museum Spring events.

The Estação has the capacity to host up to 40 people per scheduled visit. Groups will be welcomed by the Public Service Team and have the opportunity for guided tours coordinated by the Educational Assistance Section (SAE).

Hugo Barreto, President of the Vale Cultural Institute, highlighted the Estação’s role in expanding educational opportunities for children and young people, enabling them to learn through scientific and cultural discoveries. “It is very meaningful that this initiative happens even while the museum is being reconstructed, fostering dialogue with diverse audiences, especially students.”

Since 2020, the Museu Nacional Vive Project has supported eight exhibitions, including special shows and virtual exhibits. As UNESCO’s Director and Representative in Brazil, Marlova Jovchelovitch Noleto emphasized, “This is a very important aspect of the project. The museum is alive and needs to continue engaging with society, spreading knowledge, and democratizing access to science, culture, and education.”

The “Um Museu de Descobertas” exhibition, marking the Estação’s opening, also received support from Rede D’Or, the largest healthcare company in Latin America. Rafael Werneck, the company’s General Manager of Communication and Marketing, emphasized that the sponsorship aligns with the company’s commitment to research and education. “It’s an honor for us to support the cultural activities of the country’s oldest scientific institution,” he said.

School and group visits can be arranged by emailing: agendamento.nap@mn.ufrj.br.