Museu da Imagem e Som is a compact museum in Lapa, near the Arcos da Lapa and Escadaria Selarón. Its collections trace Rio’s cultural history through photographs, recordings, books, musical instruments and historic audio equipment. Look for exhibitions connected to television writer Janete Clair and broadcaster Assis Chateaubriand, known as Chatô. Admission is free, and guided tours can take you to the upper part of the museum. It is an easy stop to pair with nearby sights.
A collection of Rio’s images and sounds
Founded to collect, preserve and display material connected to Rio’s cultural history, Museu da Imagem e Som brings together objects from different eras and media. The holdings include photographs, engravings, drawings, caricatures, books and records, as well as musical instruments and sound recordings.
Historic equipment is part of the collection too. Antique gramophones and microphones help show how sound was recorded and heard. The museum’s material also preserves the work of artists and performers whose names are less familiar, including the Batista sisters, associated with Brazil’s Golden Age of Radio, and singer Elizeth Cardoso.
Exhibitions and guided visits
Exhibitions include work connected to television writer Janete Clair and broadcaster Assis Chateaubriand, known as Chatô. The displays give the collection a human focus, linking its images and recordings to people who shaped Brazilian popular culture.
The museum is in Lapa, near the Arcos da Lapa and Escadaria Selarón, so it can fit into a walk around the area. Guided tours are available and provide access to the upper part of the museum. Admission is free.
FAQ
Is admission to Museu da Imagem e Som free?
Yes, admission is free.
Can you take a guided tour?
Yes. Guided tours are available and include access to the museum’s upper part.
When is Museu da Imagem e Som open?
It is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
