See & do · Museums
Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC)
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Large collection of modern art in an iconic building by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer.via Google
An iconic, saucer-shaped building designed by Oscar Niemeyer, located across the bay and housing contemporary Brazilian art.
- Good to know
- Accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Praça XV.
Reviews from Google
I happened to be there on a free-entry day, therefore a 5-star review. The architecture is most unique and interesting, the view of the bay outside is fantastic, the art work inside is illuminating as one does not see many Brazilian arts's works outside Brazil. It is smaller than I thought so if I have to pay the entrance I might deduct one star. I don't think you can reasonably easily go there by public transportation as a foreign visitor, another problem for this place.
This building is amazing architecture. The exhibits inside though were less impressive which was a shame. In reality the main attraction from inside is the view. The way Oscar has directed you to look down over the water to the landforms being, restricting a view of the expanse of sky is magnificent architecture. We went to the bistro below and had a pleasant lunch, the view from there likewise is directed to the water through thoughtful window placement. This is a place you should visit if your have a spare day while in Rio.
Bring cash, they don't accept card inside. Tourist that were just leaving said the expo inside was not worth it. The exterior es SPECTACULAR truly a masterpiece worth visiting and admiring.
To be honest, we didn’t come for the art - we came for the architecture. As one of Oscar Niemeyer’s most iconic and celebrated creations, this building doesn’t just house the art; it is THE art. In fact, its sweeping curves and bold presence utterly eclipse whatever hangs on the walls inside. Standing before it, in this breathtaking setting, is a five-star experience - no, beyond five stars. The exhibition within? A mere whisper compared to the thunderous poetry of the structure itself. While the price of admission is more than reasonable, the absence of a functioning e-payment system made for a rather unconventional and even bizarre solution. To get the cash to purchase the tickets, I was advised to buy from the coconut vendor on the street, then ask him to charge “extra” on my credit card in return for cash reals. It was such a first world meets third world situation! Every aspect of the MAC is photogenic. The blazing Rio sun and clear skies helped. We lingered for two hours both on the inside and out. And after that we lingered even further with a meal at the delicious Bistrô MAC with its panoramic view of Guanabara Bay. It was an amazing way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Beautiful museum, the building per se is an art piece!!! The views are amazing. The exhibitions were nice, I expected more from this museum to be honest. Permanent collection was nice but quite small. The temporary exhibition regarding costumes from the Carnival, really beautiful. Also, I would love to have a proper exhibition regarding the building per se, the process, construction, and so on, currently there are only a few pictures of the construction that’s it.