Florianopolis Museums

(Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil)

While it is fair to say that Florianopolis is best known for its beaches rather than its cultural scene, there are actually some very good museums located in this large city. The museums of Florianopolis should certainly not just be left for a rainy day, with one of the best being the Museu Historico de Santa Catarina on the Praca XV de Novembro, where innumerable regional treasures are waiting to be discovered.

Others might be interested to learn more about the archeological history of Santa Catarina at the Museu do Homem do Sambaqui, or to appreciate some interesting Azorean handicrafts at the Eco-Museu do Ribeirao da Ilha. Do note that a number of the island's museums are closed on Mondays.

Museu Historico de Santa Catarina (History Museum of Santa Catarina)

Address: Praca XV de Novembro 227, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 048 3221 3504
Standing on one side of the Praca XV de Novembro is the very distinctive Museu Historico de Santa Catarina, which is well known for its pink and white architecture, and formerly functioned as the palace of the colonial governor. Today, the palace houses many interesting and important artefacts, both native and colonial, although it is likely that the elaborate decor is what will draw your eye, particularly the parquetry flooring, the Carrara marble staircase, the Art Nouveau window and the colourful painted ceilings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Museu de Antropologia (Anthropology Museum)

Address: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Bloco Ciencias Humanas, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 048 3331 9325
One attraction for history buffs, the Museu de Antropologia is part of the Federal University of Santa Catarina complex, being located within the Humanities Block and brimming with archaeological and indigenous artefacts, excavated along the coastline. On display are a group of ancient tools, together with eating utensils, pottery and even skeletons of native Indians, all of which are arranged in a sensible chronological order.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Museu da Policia Militar de Santa Catarina Major Lara Ribas / Museu de Armas Major Lara Ribas (Museum of Military Police)

Address: Forte Santana, Rua Oswaldo Rodrigues Cabral 525, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 048 3229 6263
Situated in the Beira Mar Norte area, the Museu da Policia Militar suits those with an interest in military history. The museum is to be found housed within the Forte Santana, next to the Ponte Hercilio Luz (Hercilio Luz Bridge). Highlights include an array of weaponry used in the Second World War to defend the island, various uniforms and general military memorabilia.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Eco-Museu do Ribeirao da Ilha (Eco Museum)

Address: Rodovia Baldicero Filomeno 10106, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 048 3237 8148
Packed with Azorean culture and visual arts, the Eco-Museu do Ribeirao da Ilha is located within a prominent building. The rather eclectic collection of exhibits ranges from antique furnishings and folklore pieces, to sacred relics and historical artefacts. Next door is a restored flour mill, complete with old machinery once used to produce cassava flour. There is also a restaurant onsite, where you can dine whilst enjoying views of the beachfront.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Museu do Homem do Sambaqui (Museum of the Sambaqui People)

Address: Colégio Catarinense, Rua Esteves Junior 711, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 048 3251 1516
The Museu do Homem do Sambaqui resides in the city centre, within the Colégio Catarinense, and contains a wealth of important anthropology and archaeological exhibits, as well as displays with fossils, rocks, clothing, urns, skeletons of past inhabitants and stuffed animals originating from the island of Santa Catarina and the state itself. Founded in 1964, the museum's exhibits now number in excess of 5,000 items, the oldest of which date back some 8,000 years and provide a real insight into the island's history.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 13:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge