Museum of the Archaeological and Geographical Institute of Pernambuco, Recife

The Museum of the Archaeological and Geographical Institute of Pernambuco is part of an institution founded in 1862 to study and document the region’s past. Its creation was influenced by Pedro II of Brazil, who, during a visit in 1859, criticized local intellectuals for neglecting regional history. This remark helped prompt the establishment of the institute three years later, defining its role as a center for research and preservation in archaeology, geography, and history.

The collection includes archaeological artifacts such as Indigenous tools and ceramics, alongside objects from the colonial period and later developments. The collection includes a rare copy of the Vingboons Atlas, with detailed maps from the Dutch occupation (1630–1654), along with bronze cannons from the same period. Manuscripts, photographs, and maps further show how the landscape was explored and documented over time.

The interior follows a traditional institutional layout, with rooms organized for exhibitions, archives, and research. Display cases focus on preservation, presenting objects in a clear, documentary format. The institute also supports research through its archive and library, while hosting occasional lectures and cultural activities.