Inside the Brazilian Senate Museum

Get to know the Museum that houses the history of the Federal Senate

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Federal Senate Museum

The Federal Senate Museum was created in 1991 with the aim of preserving not only the memory of the Federal Senate, but also part of Brazil's political and cultural history. 

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (Fevereiro) by Ricardo Movits and Ricardo MovitsFederal Senate, Brazil

The Senate Museum was the "Historical Museum of the Federal Senate" until 2012. It was named after former senator and president Itamar Franco, who proposed its creation.

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (Fevereiro) by Ricardo Movits and Ricardo MovitsFederal Senate, Brazil

The Senate Museum is located in the Black Room of the National Congress, inside the Noble Room, a space reserved for receiving authorities and holding solemn and public events.

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (Fevereiro) by Rodrigo Viana and Rodrigo VianaFederal Senate, Brazil

In 2024, the Federal Senate celebrates its 200th anniversary. Part of this history is in the collection of the Senate Museum.

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (Fevereiro) by Ricardo Movits and Rodrigo VianaFederal Senate, Brazil

The Senate Museum's rich collection can be found in various spaces. Paintings, sculptures, gifts and furniture decorate the offices, committees, plenary, presidency, vice-presidency and official residences of senators.

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (1867) by Autor desconhecido and Autor desconhecidoFederal Senate, Brazil

Known as "Plenarinho", the furniture of the old Senate Plenary until 1960, when the institution was transferred to Brasilia; it occupies part of the space of the Senate Museum...

...chairs, ballot boxes, microphones and other items that came from the Monroe Palace, the Senate's last seat in Rio de Janeiro.

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (Fevereiro) by Ricardo Movits and Ricardo MovitsFederal Senate, Brazil

Part of the Museum's side wall is occupied by the "Gallery of Presidents". This is a space that forms a real timeline, with paintings of all the Senate presidents from the Empire to the present day.

Conhecendo as obras de arte do Senado (1891) by Gustavo Hastoy and Gustavo HastoyFederal Senate, Brazil

The painting entitled "Act of signing the 1st Constitution Bill - Year 1891", by the artist Gustavo Hastoy, is the largest painting on display in the Senate Museum. It is painted in gold, in oil on canvas and measures 2.90m by 4.41m.

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