Museu do Amanhã

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The building's roof wings move throughout the day to maximize the efficiency of photovoltaic panels.

2. 2

   Exhibits are not static; they are designed to be updated regularly as scientific consensus on climate and sustainability evolves.

3. 3

   The museum uses 40% less energy than a standard building due to its bioclimatic architecture.

4. 4

   Water from Guanabara Bay is used in the building's climate control system and then returned purified.

5. 5

   The structure is elevated to reduce its physical footprint on the pier and maximize public pedestrian space.

6. 6

   The interior contains no columns, relying on a complex external rib structure to support the vast, open-plan galleries.

Overview

The Museu do Amanhã is a science museum designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, situated on the Pier Mauá waterfront in Rio de Janeiro. The building features a cantilevered roof with mobile wings that track the sun to optimize solar energy collection. The permanent exhibition focuses on the themes of Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrow, and Us, utilizing interactive audiovisual displays. It functions as an applied science museum, emphasizing sustainability and climate change rather than traditional historical artifacts. The structure sits over the Guanabara Bay, integrated into the revitalized Porto Maravilha urban area. Water from the bay is treated through a filtration system integrated into the museum's design to regulate the internal temperature.

Insider tips

• Download the museum's official app beforehand for an enhanced interactive experience with the exhibits.

• Visit on weekdays to avoid high volume and queue times at the interactive stations.

• Allocate time to walk the outdoor pier area around the museum for views of the bay and the urban art murals nearby.