Museu Casa do Pontal is located on the territory of an ecological reserve in Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, close to Prainha and Grumari beaches.

Casa do Pontal is considered to be the biggest and most important museum of Brazilian folk art in the world. Its founder, Jacques van de Beuque, was a French artist, designer and art collector. In 1940s, after having escaped from German Concentration Camp during World War II, young Jacques came to Brazil, where he fell in love with the local folk art. He began traveling all over the country, collecting small clay figures created by Brazilian artist.

Casa do Pontal Museum was opened in 1986, after Jacque's 40 years of traveling and collecting arts. The permanent exhibition of Casa do Pontal presents about 5000 works from more than 200 artists from 24 different states of Brazil.

According to the International Council of Museums (part of UNESCO), “The Museu Casa do Pontal is not just a unique museum of Brazilian Folk Art, it is also a true anthropological Museum, the only one in Brazil that gives a complete view of the life and culture of the people in Brazil.”

Tips for Museu Casa do Pontal

• The museum is far from the city, so it makes sense to combine the visit with other nearby attractions (find them listed below).
• Almost all Rio's museums are closed on Mondays. On Tuesdays many museums offer free entrance. Check the museum's website for exact information.

Documentary by Museu Casa do Pontal

The Museum's documentary about Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará - the folk art center of the country. Only in Portuguese.