National Museum partially reopens and displays meteorite Bendego and sperm whale skeleton

For the first time since the 2018 fire, the public will have the opportunity to temporarily access three internal environments of the National Museum, in the Palace of São Cristóvão. Visiting is part of special programming “Among Giants: an experience in the National Museum”, which happens from July 2 to August 31.

In addition to following the advances in restoration works, visitors will be able to review iconic pieces of the collection, such as the Bendegó meteorite – the largest ever found in Brazil – and to know one of the institution's latest acquisitions: the skeleton of a 15.7-metre sperm whale, now installed under the new skylight of the building.

The exhibition proposes a path that unites science, historical heritage and art. At the entrance, Bendegó and other meteorites are presented alongside works by the indigenous artist wapichana Gustavo Caboco, who reinterpreted the collection in works created with his family.

In the courtyard of the monumental staircase, the display of the sperm whale draws attention, resulting from a two-month process of preparation, which included bone restoration, painting and replacement of parts of the structure. The parts of the cetacean, which add up to about three tons, were hoisted and affixed to the structure of the building. A campaign will be launched for the public to participate in the choice of the animal's name, considered the largest of the kind on display in South America.

The last room of the visit is dedicated to the memory of the Museum and the reconstruction process of the palace, especially architectural and restoration details. Among the items exhibited are Carrara marble sculptures, artistic ornaments and photographic records of the works performed on the construction site.

The partial reopening marks a new chapter for the National Museum, linked to UFRJ, which continues in the process of reconstruction with the support of partners of the National Vive Museum project.

Service Among Giants: an experience in the National Museum Date: From 02/7 to 31/8 Timetable: From 12:00 to 4:00 Location: National Museum of Rio de Janeiro Address: Quinta da Boa Vista - São Cristóvão Ticket: Learn how to remove Here.

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