Imperial Museum
Imperial Museum
4.5
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Imperial Museum in Petrópolis, Brazil, is one of the most attractive cultural points of interest near Rio de Janeiro. Located in the town's historic center, the museum was once Emperor Pedro II's favorite residence. Today, it is one of the most visited museums in Brazil, with the annual average of 300.000 visitors. The exhibitions tell the Brazilian Empire history through furniture, objects, paintings, sculptures and other historic and artistic pieces that belonged to the imperial family or other people from the 19th century.
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Neighbourhood: City Center
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,337 reviews
Excellent
5,851
Very good
2,107
Average
307
Poor
43
Terrible
29
hbhakh
Roanoke, VA2,273 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We had the opportunity to visit Petropolis while visiting Rio. The Imperial Museum is the main attraction and it's very impressive. We had the advantage of a guide who explained the history of the emporers in Brazil. He also took us through the museum to explain what we were seeing.
The museum is a very nice restoration of the summer palace with many original items, including the crown jewels. It was busy but not overly crowded. They ask you to wear flip flops that are supposed to fit over your shoes......they wouldn't fit over my large shoes but they let me in anyway. It seemed that this was not asked of those people who were already wearing sandals.
This is a "must see" if you're in Petropolis.
The museum is a very nice restoration of the summer palace with many original items, including the crown jewels. It was busy but not overly crowded. They ask you to wear flip flops that are supposed to fit over your shoes......they wouldn't fit over my large shoes but they let me in anyway. It seemed that this was not asked of those people who were already wearing sandals.
This is a "must see" if you're in Petropolis.
Written February 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anong Ott
Seattle, WA30 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
My tour group operated by C2Rio, we had the best tour guide whose name is Mama Cris! She took good care of her group in 3 languages, funny and knowledgeable! We all laughed and had a wonderful time while exploring Petrópolis! Thank you Amanda Cris and Pedro the best driver! Book this tour and enjoy!
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brandasa
Centerville, OH1,340 contributions
Jul 2023
We did a tour with Lais Tammela, who we found on local guide. She really made this place come alive! It is a very cool museum - and most the signs are in English. It is free on Wednesdays. No bags allowed inside - not even fanny pack.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betty P
San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina2,495 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
Visiting the Imperial Museum in Petropolis is a fascinating experience!
Petrópolis is, in fact, a popular summer holiday spot whose main attraction is the former Summer Palace of the second Brazilian Emperor Pedro II, Pedro I’s son. Also known as the Imperial City of Brazil, it is 65 km away from noisy Rio.
You can get there on your own (three buses required) or you can take an organized tour from Rio de Janeiro (85 reales at the time of this review).
The museum has a lot of memorabilia of that period.
The guided tour is simply excellent! You are given especial shoes (slippers) so that the wooden floors don’t get damaged. You can visit most of the places of the Palace and you are shown oddities, such as the Empress’ comb, toothbrush, stockings, sumptuous furniture and jewerly, etc. Costumes are also on display, as well as crowns and other imperial ornaments. There are even presents given to his mistress by the Emperor, all made in pure gold of course!
No pictures are allowed inside the palace. However, do take your camera because you can take pictures in its superb gardens, as well as in other parts of the palace. Don't miss the chariots exhibition or the laboratorios devoted to the conservation of the palace properties outside the building!
It is true that the palace itself is not terribly impressive, not at least compared to European palaces! However, many museums and Palaces in Europe should learn how to organize a visit as the one it is offered in Petropolis! Congratulations to the people in charge!
A must when in Rio! Educational and totally worthwhile!
Tip: If you have the time, spend one or two days in Petropolis. It is a trip to tranquility! I wish I could have stayed!
Petrópolis is, in fact, a popular summer holiday spot whose main attraction is the former Summer Palace of the second Brazilian Emperor Pedro II, Pedro I’s son. Also known as the Imperial City of Brazil, it is 65 km away from noisy Rio.
You can get there on your own (three buses required) or you can take an organized tour from Rio de Janeiro (85 reales at the time of this review).
The museum has a lot of memorabilia of that period.
The guided tour is simply excellent! You are given especial shoes (slippers) so that the wooden floors don’t get damaged. You can visit most of the places of the Palace and you are shown oddities, such as the Empress’ comb, toothbrush, stockings, sumptuous furniture and jewerly, etc. Costumes are also on display, as well as crowns and other imperial ornaments. There are even presents given to his mistress by the Emperor, all made in pure gold of course!
No pictures are allowed inside the palace. However, do take your camera because you can take pictures in its superb gardens, as well as in other parts of the palace. Don't miss the chariots exhibition or the laboratorios devoted to the conservation of the palace properties outside the building!
It is true that the palace itself is not terribly impressive, not at least compared to European palaces! However, many museums and Palaces in Europe should learn how to organize a visit as the one it is offered in Petropolis! Congratulations to the people in charge!
A must when in Rio! Educational and totally worthwhile!
Tip: If you have the time, spend one or two days in Petropolis. It is a trip to tranquility! I wish I could have stayed!
Written March 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GUSDALI
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,024 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
A lovely and graceful museum housed in a cute palace, the former summer residence of the royal family of the old Brazilian Empire. The collection is beautiful, with ornate crown jewels and valuable paintings by unknown, but great portrait painters from Europe and Brazil. Another feature of this beautiful museum, is its pleasant location close to the forest. Moreover, the obligation to wear slippers, to preserve the wood floor is a known and charming tradition of this attraction.
Written October 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek-Always
Alpharetta, GA2,524 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
This palace and museum are well maintained and beautifully presented. We went through the palace with a private guide, Luis Darin, who knew everything in the house. This augmented our enjoyment and understanding tremendously. One can go through the house on their own but the fuller context would be hard to understand.
The attraction offers history, life style of the royal family, artwork, clothing, and other fun insights into Brazil's past. Peter I and Peter II are covered in a lot of detail.
Photos inside are not allowed. Protective covers need to be worn on your shoes which they provide. There is a small restaurant on the property for a simple sandwich and drink.
If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.
The attraction offers history, life style of the royal family, artwork, clothing, and other fun insights into Brazil's past. Peter I and Peter II are covered in a lot of detail.
Photos inside are not allowed. Protective covers need to be worn on your shoes which they provide. There is a small restaurant on the property for a simple sandwich and drink.
If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.
Written February 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kema00
5 contributions
Dont loose your time. Nothing really interesting besides old dirty furniture and jewelry. They make you wear some awfull dirty flip flops that seems never had been washed... Cant they just install a carpet on the floor? Overall is not worth it.
Written August 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Traveling_Expat
Chicago, IL403 contributions
Sept 2019
As stated before, this is a historical building that served as the residence of the royal family. If you are interested in history and art, you will enjoy this place. Unfortunately, photos are not permitted inside, but one somewhat unique aspect about this place is you must wear oversized flip-flops on your shoes to not scuff the wood floors. Admittedly, it is kind of entertaining sliding around.
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orleans51
Ottawa, Canada132 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
This is a worth-while destination on a day trip to the Imperial City of Petropolis, which is about 70 Km north east of Rio. It is called the Imperial City because it was the summer home of the Brazilian Royalty and Nobility (to escape the heat and humidity of Rio). It is at an elevation of 830 m, so the temperature and humidity are much reduced from Rio … still hot, just not as oppressive.
During the Napoleonic Wars, in 1806, after a series of strategic defeats, the Portuguese nobility had to evacuate their homeland. As Brazil was the largest and most prosperous of their colonies, that is where they retreated to. It was inappropriate for the King of Portugal to be in “exile” in a colony, so in 1815 King John VI of Portugal proclaimed the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. At the end of the Napoleonic Wars John VI returned to Portugal in 1821. A year later, Brazil declared its independence, and his son installed himself as Emperor Pedro I.
The Brazilian monarchy was short lived, as it was abolished in in a military coup which declared Brazil to be a republic. Brazil has had on and off problems with military dictatorships ever since.
The summer palace is not large by European standards but it is well appointed. Within its collections are many of the original pieces of furniture, china, and crystal, as well as the Crown jewels. Sadly photography was not permitted in the interior, so we only have exterior shots.
During the Napoleonic Wars, in 1806, after a series of strategic defeats, the Portuguese nobility had to evacuate their homeland. As Brazil was the largest and most prosperous of their colonies, that is where they retreated to. It was inappropriate for the King of Portugal to be in “exile” in a colony, so in 1815 King John VI of Portugal proclaimed the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves. At the end of the Napoleonic Wars John VI returned to Portugal in 1821. A year later, Brazil declared its independence, and his son installed himself as Emperor Pedro I.
The Brazilian monarchy was short lived, as it was abolished in in a military coup which declared Brazil to be a republic. Brazil has had on and off problems with military dictatorships ever since.
The summer palace is not large by European standards but it is well appointed. Within its collections are many of the original pieces of furniture, china, and crystal, as well as the Crown jewels. Sadly photography was not permitted in the interior, so we only have exterior shots.
Written January 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl M
Dallas, TX6 contributions
Apr 2013 • Business
Interesting museum and informative on Brazilian history. I did not care for wearing the buffing covers for your shoes but understand it as you're walking on very old wood floors. The gold crib was a sight to see.
Written April 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esta funcionando normalmente? Qual valor de entrada? Aceita meia de estudante e bpc?
Written June 22, 2024
O museu estará aberto para visitação a partir de quando?
Written January 23, 2021
Com o está o funcionamento do Museu Imperial nos dias de hoje?
Written November 10, 2020
Olá gostaria de saber se o museu já reabriu.
Written October 29, 2020
Já reabriu pra visitação? Alguma expectativa? Quem conhece Petrópolis, vale a pena ir com quase tudo fechado como está?
Written August 13, 2020
O museu permanece fechado sem previsão de abertura.
Written September 22, 2020
O funcionamento ocorre de forma normalizado na semana de carnaval ???
Written February 18, 2020
Estou aqui em Petrópolis e o horário hoje (domingo) abre as 11h. Segunda nao funcionará.
Written February 23, 2020
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