The Museum of the Acrean Peoples in Rio Branco, opened in August 2023, showcases Acre’s unique history and culture, featuring a Purussaurus fossil and various multimedia exhibits. Established with World Bank support and a R$ 16 million investment, the museum revitalizes a former school building and enhances regional identity, attracting over 32,000 visitors by 2025.
The Museum of the Acrean Peoples, located in downtown Rio Branco, Brazil, offers an insightful glimpse into the rich culture and history of Acre state, which is often subject to humorous conspiracy theories. Opened to the public in August 2023, the museum features a well-preserved fossil of a Purussaurus, a colossal ancient ancestor of caimans, highlighting Acre’s prehistoric significance.
Thanks to World Bank support, the museum has been established through the Acre Social and Economic Inclusion and Sustainable Development Project (ProAcre), with an investment of approximately R$ 16 million (about USD 2.8 million). This funding enabled the transformation of an old school building into an engaging tourist destination featuring seven exhibition areas, an inner atrium, an auditorium, a café, and a souvenir shop.
The museum’s diverse collection includes artifacts, artworks, and important archaeological and paleontological finds which are coupled with multimedia resources such as videos, books, and recordings. These elements are aimed at fostering sociocultural development and enhancing regional identity. Noteworthy exhibits include the Chico Mendes Room and a recreation of a rubber tapper’s house, as well as a Personalities Room celebrating prominent Acreans like João Donato and Glória Perez, and an interactive room featuring local slang.
Initially built as a boys’ boarding school in 1952 by Italian friar André Morini Ficarelli, the site had a rich history of cultural and educational significance, later becoming known for its host of student movements. After being abandoned for years following the school’s relocation in 2005, the building was revived in 2018 as a museum.
By January 2025, the museum is expected to attract over 32,000 visitors. It spotlights the historical narratives of indigenous peoples and migrants who contributed to the region’s development, enhancing the nearby vibrant city center which features various shops and dining options along the Branco River. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views from the museum’s mezzanine. Aline Albuquerque, a former student of the original Meta school, reflected on its transformation, expressing pride in its new purpose.
The Museum of the Acrean Peoples serves as a vital cultural institution, preserving and showcasing the diverse history of Acre. With its engaging exhibits and rich historical context, it not only educates visitors but also fosters local pride and community identity, bridging the past and present of this remarkable region. The support from ProAcre and continued visitor interest highlight the museum’s significance to both locals and tourists alike.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
