The museum serves as a specialized conservation center designed to protect Aleijadinho's twelve soapstone prophet sculptures from weathering.
The structure is built into the hillside to maintain a low visual profile, ensuring it does not compete with the architectural prominence of the adjacent Basilica.
It houses a significant collection of casts and molds used in the restoration of the religious statues.
The project received the award for best architecture in the 'Public Building' category by the Brazilian Institute of Architects in 2016.
The museum's creation was a joint effort involving UNESCO, the Brazilian National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), and local government.
The Museu de Congonhas is a contemporary museum complex dedicated to the conservation and study of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prophets by Aleijadinho. Designed by architect Gustavo Penna, the building is situated directly at the base of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. It functions as a center for the preservation of Baroque art and the protection of the outdoor soapstone sculptures. The museum features high-tech exhibition spaces that provide historical context regarding the 18th-century construction of the sanctuary. It serves as both a repository for historical artifacts and a modern venue for cultural research. The facility was established to mitigate the environmental and physical threats posed to the nearby outdoor sculptures.
The museum's rooftop terrace, which provides a frame-worthy view of the Twelve Prophets and the Basilica facade.
Walk the outdoor path connecting the museum directly to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos.
Allow time to watch the short documentaries provided in the media rooms to understand the history of the soapstone sculptures.
Visit the terrace for a panoramic view of the hillside sanctuary landscape.
Attempting to touch the original soapstone sculptures located in the outdoor sanctuary area.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet demeanor appropriate for an art conservation space; flash photography is prohibited inside the exhibition galleries.
