Iconic MAC Museum Reopens in Niterói on June 16th

By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Following more than a year of renovations, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói (MAC Niterói) reopened in Rio de Janeiro’s neighboring city of Niterói on Thursday, June 16th with a ceremony featuring a live show by Léo Gandelman and the launch of three new exhibitions.

The three new exhibitions: “Ephemera: Diálogos Entre-Vistas” (Ephemera: Dialogues Between-Views), “A Arte de Contar Histórias” (The Art of Storytelling), and “DaEscuta da Matéria aos Escombros do Ser” (Listen to the Matter of Being Rubble), will be open to the public beginning Friday, June 17th.

In addition to marking the official reopening of MAC, the exhibitions launch ‘MAC + 20’, a program that will celebrate the museum`s twentieth anniversary with exhibitions that will highlight the Coleção MAC Sattamini (MAC Sattamini Collection) and new national and international works.

Opened in 1996, MAC was designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. One of the city’s and region’s main landmarks, the museum is located in the Niterói neighborhood of Boa Viagem and overlooks the Guanabara Bay.

Renovations include a more efficient air conditioning system and new sealing on the top of the building. The museum’s facade and swirling, 98 meter-long ramp were cleaned and painted. The carpet in the exhibition halls has been replaced and the bathrooms renovated. Additionally, there is a new reception area and shop. The signs in the museum are now in three languages and there is a new LED lighting system for the reflecting pool in the courtyard.

MAC is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10AM to 6PM. Tickets are R$10 with half price admission for students, teachers, and people over sixty and free admission for high school students, children up to age seven, disabled persons, and residents of Niteroi (with proof of residency). Admission is free for all on Wednesdays.

For additional information see the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói’s website.