The Museum of the Republic's Historical Garden occupies an area of 24,000 m2. Its original format, whose design is attributed to the French landscaper Antoine Glaziou, featured tall trees, an orchard and the alley of palm trees, already existing on the land before its acquisition by the Baron of Nova Friburgo. Paul Villon's project, from 1896, made for the Presidency of the Republic, added to the garden high flowerbeds, three rustic bridges, benches on artificial rocks and the artificial cave with a waterfall, from which an artificial river flows that feeds two lakes. An old pavilion in the park was transformed into a bandstand for musical performances. Dependencies were built for the president's butlers and servants, as well as a cavalry picket and stables. In 1960, with the creation of the Museum of the Republic, the garden was opened to the public.