UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

07/12/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/12/2023 22:16

IPHAN authorizes a new installation in the National Museum/UFRJ project

The first scientific institution and oldest museum in Brazil, the Museu Nacional/UFRJ, received approval from the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN) to install a transparent cover in the courtyard of the monumental staircase. With the new intervention, the project intends to guarantee more protection while allowing the penetration of natural light into the historical area of the palace.

The architects of the preliminary project for the Restoration of the National Museum/UFRJ presented it to IPHAN in August 2022. The H+F Arquitetos e Atelier de Arquitetura consortium has developed this project, contracted by the Vive National Museum Project (cooperation between UFRJ, UNESCO and Instituto Cultural Vale), with financial support from BNDES and platinum sponsorship from Bradesco and Vale.

Since 2018, the museum has been undergoing restoration works after suffering a significant fire that almost destroyed the entire Paço de São Cristóvão and about 85% of the institution's scientific collections. This preliminary project foresees that the total space of Paço de São Cristóvão will be dedicated to exhibitions and educational activities. At the same time, the annexe building Alípio de Miranda Ribeiro will have a revitalized structure, technical rooms, and a multipurpose auditorium.

Last June, on the occasion of the 205th-anniversary celebrations of the National Museum/UFRJ, the restoration of Paço de São Cristóvão continued at an intense pace, and they concluded works on the facades and roofs of the historic block. According to the general reconstructing schedule, the executive project and the architectural and restoring details will be completed by the end of this year, already adding IPHAN's technical recommendations.

Museu Nacional Vive Project
Aiming at promoting the restoration of this world cultural heritage, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), UNESCO in Brazil and the Vale Cultural Institute launched the project "Museu Nacional Vive" to promote the restoration of the structure, collection, and foresees the reform of the Central Library and the implementation of a new academic campus in the place.

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