MAR - Rio Art Museum Rio de Janeiro
A vibrant museum showcasing interactive Brazilian art within a stunning architectural complex, offering bay views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
MAR - Rio Art Museum Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant museum showcasing interactive Brazilian art within a stunning architectural complex, offering bay views.
"Beautiful, Interactive, and So Worth It! This museum was absolutely beautiful and full of life."
💳 Card Only Payments
The museum exclusively accepts card payments for tickets. Be prepared!
🚶♀️ Explore the Surroundings
Don't miss the nearby Museum of Tomorrow and the vibrant Praça Mauá area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Brazilian Art
Engage with diverse art forms, from sculptures to music, that vividly showcase Brazilian culture.

Stunning Waterfront Views
Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Guanabara Bay and the Museum of Tomorrow.
Architectural Marvel
Explore the unique blend of historic and modern architecture that houses the museum's collections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save Time
Embrace the Interactive Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💳 Card Only Payments
The museum exclusively accepts card payments for tickets. Be prepared!
🚶♀️ Explore the Surroundings
Don't miss the nearby Museum of Tomorrow and the vibrant Praça Mauá area.
📸 Capture the Views
The waterfront location offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially of the Museum of Tomorrow.
⏳ Check Exhibit Status
Some floors or exhibits might be closed, so check in advance if possible.
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Card Only Payments
The museum exclusively accepts card payments for tickets. Be prepared!
🚶♀️ Explore the Surroundings
Don't miss the nearby Museum of Tomorrow and the vibrant Praça Mauá area.
📸 Capture the Views
The waterfront location offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially of the Museum of Tomorrow.
⏳ Check Exhibit Status
Some floors or exhibits might be closed, so check in advance if possible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about MAR's beautiful and highly interactive exhibits that make learning about Brazilian culture engaging and fun. The stunning views of the bay and Museum of Tomorrow are a major highlight. However, some guests have noted issues with rude staff and the museum's card-only payment policy.
"Beautiful, Interactive, and So Worth It! This museum was absolutely beautiful and full of life. It was very interactive and made learning about Brazilian culture so fun and engaging. We explored different genres of art—sculptures, photos, and even physical items we could touch. We got to make music, listen to traditional sounds, and watch powerful videos that brought the culture to life. Every part of the museum had something new and meaningful to experience.
Highly recommend if you're in Rio—it’s a must-visit!"
S Williams
"Cool museum, astounding view over Rio and Museum of Tomorrow, the museum shows were well presented and interesting. Only problem : the museum only takes a card (no cash) for purchasing tickets. Luckily some nice Italian tourists let me give them $40 Reais to buy two tickets for me."
Emily Fisher
"Cool Museu:) really shows the culture of brazil but wish not so many floor were closed.
Tuesdays free:)"
Jimmy He
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MAR Rio Art Museum is located at Praça Mauá, in the port area of Rio de Janeiro. You can reach it via Uber, 99 (a popular ride-sharing app in Brazil), or public transport like buses and the metro. A Rio Card can be used for various public transport options.
The area around Praça Mauá is also walkable from other central points.Yes, public transportation in Rio, including buses and the metro, is a viable option. Using a Rio Card can simplify travel across different modes of transport.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99 are also widely used and reliable for getting to the museum.For seamless travel, consider getting a Rio Card for access to buses, subways, and BRTs.
Ride-sharing apps are also a convenient alternative. If you're exploring the Centro area, walking from Praça XV towards Praça Mauá is also an option.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's essential to check the official MAR website for the most current information. Some sources mention a fee around $13 USD, but this can change.
Remember, the museum only accepts card payments.While it might be possible, it's strongly advised to purchase your tickets online in advance. This helps avoid long queues and potential scams from vendors.
Also, be aware that only card payments are accepted.Yes, Tuesdays are often free admission days at the MAR Rio Art Museum, which can be a great way to save money and experience the exhibits.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official MAR website before your visit. Generally, museums in Rio are open from Wednesday to Monday, often closing on Tuesdays for maintenance or free admission days.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to secure your entry and avoid long waits, especially during peak times or for special exhibitions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
MAR showcases a diverse range of Brazilian art, often focusing on contemporary and historical exhibitions. You can expect to see sculptures, photography, music, and interactive displays that highlight Brazilian culture and history.
Absolutely! MAR is known for its highly interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the art through touch, sound, and visual experiences, making it a fun and educational visit for all ages.
The museum offers stunning panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and the iconic Museum of Tomorrow, making it a picturesque location.
Yes, visitors are often required to leave handbags and backpacks at a cloakroom before entering certain exhibition areas. Be prepared for a potential wait to retrieve them.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed on their official website, museums of this caliber typically strive to be accessible. The interactive nature of some exhibits may also cater to a wider range of visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary depending on the exhibition. Generally, personal photography is allowed in many areas, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the artworks. It's always best to check for signage or ask museum staff.
The museum's architecture itself is very photogenic. The waterfront location offers excellent opportunities to photograph the Museum of Tomorrow and the bay. Many exhibits are also visually striking and encourage photos.
Focus on capturing the interactive elements and the unique architectural features. The views of the bay and the Museum of Tomorrow are particularly popular for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least a few hours to allow children to fully explore and enjoy the interactive displays. While the museum itself is engaging, consider bringing snacks and drinks for younger ones, though check their policy on outside food. The proximity to the Museum of Tomorrow also offers another engaging option for families in the same area.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider utilizing Rio's public transport system, such as buses or the metro, which can be accessed with a Rio Card, to reach the museum affordably. Exploring the surrounding Praça Mauá area is also free and offers great views and atmosphere.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to showcase the interactive exhibits, which often make for dynamic and engaging shots. Be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography, especially within exhibition spaces. The exterior views, particularly during golden hour, can be spectacular.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Port Area: MAR and Beyond
Beyond the major museums, the port area offers glimpses into Rio's history. Walking around Praça Mauá and the nearby streets can reveal historic buildings and a sense of the city's past. For those interested in more niche collections, the Museu da Vida (Museum of Life) and the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art) are also in the vicinity, though MAR and the Museum of Tomorrow are the primary draws for most visitors. The proximity of these sites makes it an efficient area to explore for art and history enthusiasts.
Consider combining your visit to MAR with a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the sea breeze and the vibrant atmosphere of this redeveloped urban space. The area is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible from various parts of the city.
The Interactive Nature of MAR
This hands-on approach makes the museum particularly appealing for a wide range of visitors, including families and those who might not typically frequent art museums. The goal is to create a dynamic and memorable learning experience, allowing visitors to connect with the art on a deeper level. Whether it's through creating music, listening to traditional sounds, or exploring physical objects, the interactivity ensures that the cultural narratives are not just seen but felt.
When planning your visit, be prepared to immerse yourself fully. The interactive elements are designed to be a core part of the experience, offering a unique and engaging way to understand the richness and diversity of Brazilian artistic expression. This makes MAR a standout destination for those seeking a more dynamic museum visit.
MAR's Architectural Significance
The historic building provides a sense of grandeur and context, while the modern addition offers sleek lines and expansive spaces suitable for contemporary exhibitions. The design thoughtfully integrates the two structures, creating a cohesive and engaging visitor flow. The museum's location on Praça Mauá further enhances its architectural appeal, offering stunning views of the surrounding bay and the nearby Museum of Tomorrow.
Visitors often comment on the beauty of the museum's setting and its architectural features, which contribute significantly to the overall experience. The interplay between the historic facade and the modern elements makes MAR not just a repository of art but also a significant piece of Rio de Janeiro's architectural landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit