Paco Imperial
Paco Imperial
4
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Paco Imperial
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Zona Norte (North Zone)
How to get there
- Carioca • 8 min walk
- Uruguai • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,835 within 5 kms
Attractions
646 within 10 kms
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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.
4.0
388 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
175
Average
77
Poor
15
Terrible
4
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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PrestonGuild
United Kingdom56,106 contributions
Oct 2019
We had a brief stop here as part of a walking tour.
This modest building was once a palace for the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century. So it has nice historical roots.
It is now a small cultural centre with art exhibits. We thought it was worth having a walk while others in the tour went for a pit stop.
This modest building was once a palace for the Portuguese royal family in the 19th century. So it has nice historical roots.
It is now a small cultural centre with art exhibits. We thought it was worth having a walk while others in the tour went for a pit stop.
Written September 26, 2020
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.
NelsonM970
Natal, RN800 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
The Imperial Palace is a colonial building, built in the 18th century as a residence of the royal family in Brazil in 1908. It later served as the residence of the governors of Rio de Janeiro. It is well preserved and is currently a cultural center with fixed exhibitions and other themes. Unfortunately, the space is very used historically. He witnessed for many years historic events for Brazil, such as the Day of the fig, or the Golden Law of the Liberation of Slaves. We also miss the opportunity to value the role of Paço in pre-republican times. There would be a lot of history to tell and value, but little of it is all highlighted in space.
Automatically translated
Written October 3, 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.
Vincent M
New Orleans, LA2,256 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
Imperial palaces are quite rare, so if you have an opportunity to see one, you probably should take it. They've got two in Vienna, the Hofburg and Schonbrunn, and you’d be delighted with both of them. Versailles and San Souci aren't even imperial; they're mere dime-a-dozen royal palaces, but still worth going well out of your way to see. The Paco Imperial isn't exactly a Hofburg or Schonbrunn, nor even a Versailles or Sans Souci. Fact is, after seeing the Paco Imperial I checked on three different online translators to make sure Paco Imperial actually DOES mean "Imperial Palace." They all swore it did. Of course, they also said Palacio Imperial means "Imperial palace." “Palacio” is European Portuguese and therefore means a European-class palace. “Paco” is Brazilian Portuguese and therefore means a Brazilian-class palace. There’s half a world of difference.
If imperial palaces were competing in a regatta, we'd have to cross this one off as a "did not start." However, you can't really blame the poor Paco. It never was intended to be an imperial palace. It was built, apparently on a tight budget, as the residence of the viceroy. Even as a vice-regal palace, it doesn't compare very well with, say, Belvedere House in Calcutta or the House of Pizarro in Lima. Through no fault of its own, it got arbitrarily promoted to Royal Palace when King Joao moved to Brazil for his health--Iberia was distinctly unhealthy just then with Napoleon pounding on the door. Again, without having any say in the matter, it got bumped even higher when Pedro I decided he's sooner stay in Rio and become an emperor than go back to Lisbon and settle for king. So don't blame the building!
It’s really not a bad place to visit once you get over your major letdown if you were expecting a Schonbrunn. If you’re in the neighborhood anyway—and the Carmelite churches across the street are reason enough to be in it—it is worthwhile taking a brief walk around in here. There’s a certain panache in being able to say, “Ah, yes, I’ve not only been to the Forbidden City in China and the Peterhof in Russia, but I’ve also been to the worst imperial palace in the world.” (Caveat: I’ve never been to the Menelik Palace in Ethiopia, so there’s a slight chance that this one’s only second-worst, though I doubt it.)
While the façade is not exactly dripping with imperial grandeur, it’s not bad. It would work fine in, say, the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Of course, once inside, you might be forgiven for coming to the conclusion that this entire palace is nothing but a façade (see The Façade of the Façade photo). You enter via a blah Courtyard—I’ve seen better ones in the hotel chain by the same name (see Imperial Courtyard - Hah photo). The rooms, with white walls and exposed wood beams, aren’t bad. There’s an exhibit on the history of the building, which you might find interesting. Apparently, every generation or so, people would keep adding rooms and expanding upper floors, in the forlorn hope that this would somehow make it satisfactory. Now, apparently, there’s been a modern attempt to move backwards, and recreate the look and feel of the place prior to Joao’s arrival: better a mediocre government house than a pathetic palace (see Paco Imperial over the Years photo). It takes some time to read everything provided about the issues and challenges the restorers faced and the decisions they made, but both the restoration itself and their cogent explanation of it, is quite thought-provoking.
Honestly, the two things I like best about the Paco Imperial aren’t halls of state; they’re halls of commerce. The coffeehouse off the courtyard in one direction is really quite a good place to stop for a cuppa and a snack. And in the music store off the courtyard in the opposite direction, arlequim, you’ll find an outstanding selection of CDs from all over the world, but including a fair selection of bossa nova and other Brazilian music (I scored a 3-CD set of the complete Bachianas brasilieras). They also carry DVDs of movies of Alfred Hitchcock, John Wayne, and Tracy and Hepburn, all in their original Portuguese.
Finally, if you’re bound and determined to see a western hemisphere Imperial Palace, all is not lost. The National Museum in Quinta da Boa Vista Park is housed in the Paço de São Cristóvão. King Joao and Emperor Pedro weren’t that happy with Paco Imperial themselves—no surprise—and first Joao and then Pedro upgraded this manor house of a rich merchant to transform it into an imperial palace. It’s still no Peterhof, but it’s considerably more imposing that this one.
If imperial palaces were competing in a regatta, we'd have to cross this one off as a "did not start." However, you can't really blame the poor Paco. It never was intended to be an imperial palace. It was built, apparently on a tight budget, as the residence of the viceroy. Even as a vice-regal palace, it doesn't compare very well with, say, Belvedere House in Calcutta or the House of Pizarro in Lima. Through no fault of its own, it got arbitrarily promoted to Royal Palace when King Joao moved to Brazil for his health--Iberia was distinctly unhealthy just then with Napoleon pounding on the door. Again, without having any say in the matter, it got bumped even higher when Pedro I decided he's sooner stay in Rio and become an emperor than go back to Lisbon and settle for king. So don't blame the building!
It’s really not a bad place to visit once you get over your major letdown if you were expecting a Schonbrunn. If you’re in the neighborhood anyway—and the Carmelite churches across the street are reason enough to be in it—it is worthwhile taking a brief walk around in here. There’s a certain panache in being able to say, “Ah, yes, I’ve not only been to the Forbidden City in China and the Peterhof in Russia, but I’ve also been to the worst imperial palace in the world.” (Caveat: I’ve never been to the Menelik Palace in Ethiopia, so there’s a slight chance that this one’s only second-worst, though I doubt it.)
While the façade is not exactly dripping with imperial grandeur, it’s not bad. It would work fine in, say, the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Of course, once inside, you might be forgiven for coming to the conclusion that this entire palace is nothing but a façade (see The Façade of the Façade photo). You enter via a blah Courtyard—I’ve seen better ones in the hotel chain by the same name (see Imperial Courtyard - Hah photo). The rooms, with white walls and exposed wood beams, aren’t bad. There’s an exhibit on the history of the building, which you might find interesting. Apparently, every generation or so, people would keep adding rooms and expanding upper floors, in the forlorn hope that this would somehow make it satisfactory. Now, apparently, there’s been a modern attempt to move backwards, and recreate the look and feel of the place prior to Joao’s arrival: better a mediocre government house than a pathetic palace (see Paco Imperial over the Years photo). It takes some time to read everything provided about the issues and challenges the restorers faced and the decisions they made, but both the restoration itself and their cogent explanation of it, is quite thought-provoking.
Honestly, the two things I like best about the Paco Imperial aren’t halls of state; they’re halls of commerce. The coffeehouse off the courtyard in one direction is really quite a good place to stop for a cuppa and a snack. And in the music store off the courtyard in the opposite direction, arlequim, you’ll find an outstanding selection of CDs from all over the world, but including a fair selection of bossa nova and other Brazilian music (I scored a 3-CD set of the complete Bachianas brasilieras). They also carry DVDs of movies of Alfred Hitchcock, John Wayne, and Tracy and Hepburn, all in their original Portuguese.
Finally, if you’re bound and determined to see a western hemisphere Imperial Palace, all is not lost. The National Museum in Quinta da Boa Vista Park is housed in the Paço de São Cristóvão. King Joao and Emperor Pedro weren’t that happy with Paco Imperial themselves—no surprise—and first Joao and then Pedro upgraded this manor house of a rich merchant to transform it into an imperial palace. It’s still no Peterhof, but it’s considerably more imposing that this one.
Written July 27, 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.
Peter H
Mississauga, Canada545 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
According to many Rio guides, it advertises as imperial palace. After arriving, we realized that other than the building itself, it’s no longer a palace. Instead, it’s been turned into an art gallery. There’s only one display with photos that indicate it was once an imperial palace. Even the interior of the building has been modernized. Unless one is an art enthusiast, it is a waste of time going there. Furthermore, one has to exercise caution when walking atoung praca XV.
Written August 28, 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.
Travel_World63
Sao Paulo, SP402 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Old, with a small bookstore and exhibition. This former house of the Brazilian emperor is simple, but you can have a coffee or light meal in their bistrô. Spend 15 minutes.
Written December 29, 2014
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.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,567 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
"Paço Imperial" had its construction started in 1748 at the old historical center of Rio. Nearby, on the blue waters of "Baía de Guanabara", a quay received all boats heading to the Portuguese colony of Brazil. Almost 300 hundred years later, many things have passed and Rio de Janeiro has changed a lot. But the old palace is still there, now a busy cultural center, housing important exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photographies and on themes related to music and cinema. Just as a curiosity for foreign visitors, this "Paço Imperial" represents a lot to Brazilians - here the "Golden Law" ("Lei Áurea", in Portuguese) was signed, on May 13, 1888, by the Imperial Princess Isabel, finally freeing all slaves and abolishing totally slavery in Brazil. Fond memories of Brazilian history. Enjoy!
Written September 16, 2018
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.
Alessandro Lima
45 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
Despite its historical importance to Brazill expect nothing more than poor architecture and empty rooms only. Enjoy a nice and welcome restaurant inside.
Written May 22, 2016
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.
Hans J
384 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
The building was because of military ways an important building. Now, there's a restaurant inside the place and you can only see some empty rooms with art on the wall
Written April 25, 2016
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.
BrazilianSky
Valinhos, SP4,010 contributions
This is one of the most important colonial buildings in Brazil. Former governors and kings have lived here, including the Portuguese Royal Family when they transferred the court to Brazil in 1808, while fleeing from Napoleon devastation in Europe.
The building itself is a two stories hispanic-looking colonial big house, in the center of Rio's old downtown.
Some informations on the walls tell a little about the place, in english language also.
Some art exihibitions now and then take place in here.
Worth a visit and it will not take you much time - one hour is enough.
The building itself is a two stories hispanic-looking colonial big house, in the center of Rio's old downtown.
Some informations on the walls tell a little about the place, in english language also.
Some art exihibitions now and then take place in here.
Worth a visit and it will not take you much time - one hour is enough.
Written April 13, 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.
Oleg G
4 contributions
Look like a very simple building. Some art inside, but it is only some paintings and beautiful old stairs. It is free of charge so you can check it yourself anyway.
Written October 1, 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.
A Tripadvisor member
Porto Alegre, RS
Os funcionários fazem indicações dos acessos. Somente isso que solicitamos.
Written June 13, 2017
Você pode solicitar um áudio guia grátis , mas leve o seu fone de ouvido, e eles te oferecem um mapa da casa , mas a casa tem funcionários bem educados que fornecem informações.
Written June 13, 2017
Quanto custa a entrada ? Também, custa menos para estudantes ?
Written March 18, 2017
A entrada é Franca e o horário de funcionamento é de terça a domingo – 12:00 às 18:00 h. Sugiro fazer uma programação no Centro da Cidade, visitando o Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Correios, Casa França Brasil,etc
Written March 18, 2017
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