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The Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology) in Paranaguá, Brazil, is one of the most culturally rich institutions in the state of Paraná. Located in the historic coastal town of Paranaguá, this museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the archaeological, historical, and ethnological past of the region. It is housed in a beautiful 18th-century colonial building and serves as a bridge between Brazil's indigenous heritage and colonial legacy.
Reaching the museum is relatively easy, especially if you're traveling from Curitiba, the capital of Paraná. The distance between Curitiba and Paranaguá is approximately 90 kilometers.
By Car: You can take the BR-277 highway, which offers a scenic drive through the Serra do Mar mountains. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Bus: Regular bus services are available from Curitiba's main bus terminal (Rodoferroviária de Curitiba). The bus ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
By Train: For a unique and scenic experience, take the Serra Verde Express train from Curitiba to Morretes and continue to Paranaguá by bus or taxi.
Paranaguá has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (December to March) are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Winters (June to August) are mild, with temperatures around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F).
Rainfall is common throughout the year, so it's recommended to carry an umbrella or raincoat. The best time to visit is during the drier months, from May to September.
The Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia generally follows the schedule below:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays
It's always best to check their official website or local tourism office for any changes in hours due to special events or maintenance.
The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts, many of which date back over 6,000 years. It focuses on indigenous cultures of southern Brazil and the early colonial history of Paranaguá, one of the oldest cities in Paraná.
It also houses ethnographic collections showcasing the traditions, art, and daily life of native peoples. The museum plays an important role in preserving and interpreting the cultural identity of the region.
Entry to the museum is typically free, though donations are appreciated to support its conservation efforts.
Guided tours are available for groups, schools, and educational institutions. These tours are an excellent way to gain deeper insights into the exhibits.
The museum is accessible for individuals with mobility issues and has well-maintained restrooms, a small gift shop, and spaces for educational activities.
The museum is housed in the former Jesuit College of Paranaguá, an 18th-century colonial structure that stands as one of the city's oldest buildings. The architecture reflects Portuguese colonial design with stone masonry, thick walls, tiled roofs, and wooden doors.
The building itself is part of the historical narrative, having served various roles over the centuries, from religious education to public services, before becoming a museum.
It was officially inaugurated as a museum in 1967 and since then has become a central hub for archaeological and ethnological research in southern Brazil.
- Explore the permanent archaeological and ethnographic exhibitions.
- Participate in educational workshops and cultural events.
- Take guided tours to learn about indigenous tools, pottery, and colonial artifacts.
- Admire temporary exhibitions from national and international collections.
- Visit the museum shop for books, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.
The museum also hosts lectures and symposiums related to history, anthropology, and cultural preservation.
- The museum holds over 20,000 archaeological items in its collection.
- Some artifacts are from the Sambaqui people, a prehistoric society that lived along the Brazilian coast.
- It is one of the few museums in Brazil entirely dedicated to both archaeology and ethnology.
- The building is a listed historical heritage site, protected under Brazilian law.
- Don’t miss the underground cistern and ancient chapel ruins within the museum complex.
Tips for Visitors:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the old building and cobblestone streets of Paranaguá.
- Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted.
- Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits.
- Combine your visit with a walk through the historic city center and a boat tour to nearby Ilha do Mel (Honey Island).
