National Historical Museum (Brazil)

22°54′21.27″S 43°10′10.28″W / 22.9059083°S 43.1695222°W / -22.9059083; -43.1695222

National Historical Museum
The National Historical Museum inner patio
Map
General information
Town or cityRio de Janeiro
CountryBrazil
Construction started1762
Website
mhn.museus.gov.br

The National Historical Museum (Portuguese: Museu Histórico Nacional) of Brazil was created in 1922, and possesses over 287,000 items, including the largest numismatic collection of Latin America. The architectural complex that houses the museum was built in 1603 as the St. James of Mercy Fort; earlier structures date back to 1567, erected by order of King Sebastian I of Portugal. In 1693, the Calaboose Prison, for slaves, was built. In 1762, the Casa do Trem was added as a depot of weapons and ammunition. The last additions are the War Arsenal (1764) and the Barracks (1835).