The former mansion of art patron and industrialist Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya contains a small but diverse array of modern art, formerly Ottoni's private collection, which he bequeathed to the nation. In addition to works by Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and Lygia Clark, the museum displays furniture and Brazilian maps dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, and hosts temporary exhibitions.

Beautiful gardens surround the building, and a panoramic view of Centro and Baía de Guanabara awaits visitors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Parque das Ruínas

0.04 MILES

This park contains the ruins – exterior brick walls and a newly built staircase – of the mansion belonging to Brazilian heiress Laurinda Santos Lobo. Her…

2. Casa de Benjamin Constant

0.27 MILES

This tranquil estate served as the residence of one of Brazil's most influential politicians in the founding of the young republic. Benjamin Constant …

3. Bonde

0.3 MILES

The bonde is the last of the historic streetcars that once crisscrossed the city. Its romantic clatter through the cobbled streets is the archetypal sound…

4. Largo do Guimarães

0.31 MILES

The plaza named after Joaquim Fonseca Guimarães (a local resident whose house became Hotel Santa Teresa, just up the road) now forms the center of…

5. Escadaria Selarón

0.33 MILES

One of Rio's best-loved attractions, the steps leading up from Joaquim Silva became a work of art when Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón decided to cover…

6. Retrato Espaço Cultural

0.36 MILES

Opened by a photographer in 2017, this new cultural space features a dynamic lineup of still-image and videography exhibitions, film screenings,…

7. Centro Cultural Laurinda Santos Lobo

0.37 MILES

Built in 1907, this large mansion once served as a salon for artists from Brazil and abroad and as the location of parties hosted by socialite Laurinda…

8. Arcos da Lapa

0.42 MILES

A much-photographed symbol of Lapa, the arches date back to the mid-18th century, when the structure served as an aqueduct to carry water from the Carioca…