The Museum of the Acrean Peoples in Rio Branco, inaugurated in August 2023 with World Bank support, celebrates the culture and history of Acre. The museum features diverse exhibits, including a Purussaurus fossil, and has attracted over 32,000 visitors. Originally a school, the site has been transformed to reinforce local heritage appreciation and regional identity through its exhibits and cultural programs.
The Museum of the Acrean Peoples in Rio Branco showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Brazil’s remote state of Acre. Established in August 2023 with support from the World Bank and a R$16 million investment through the Acre Social and Economic Inclusion and Sustainable Development Project (ProAcre), this museum provides an accessible space for the public to explore Acre’s history. Notably, it is home to a fossil of the Purussaurus, ancestor of the caiman, which offers insight into the region’s prehistoric past.
The museum features seven exhibition areas equipped with air-conditioning and specialized lighting. Additionally, it includes an atrium, auditorium, café, and a souvenir shop. Its collection comprises furniture, artworks, and significant archaeological and paleontological artifacts, alongside multimedia presentations, all contributing to the enhancement of sociocultural knowledge and regional identity.
Key exhibits include the Chico Mendes Room, a recreation of a rubber tapper’s residence, and the Personalities Room, which honors notable Acreans such as musician João Donato. The interactive room engages visitors through activities like crossword puzzles that highlight local slang and phrases. ProAcre’s investments aim to reinforce pride in Acrean culture and heritage.
Originally a school built in 1952 by Italian friar André Morini Ficarelli, the building served various educational purposes until it was abandoned in 2005. The Acre government expropriated the building in 2016, initiating renovations for its transformation into a museum.
From August 2023 to January 2025, the Museum of the Acrean Peoples attracted over 32,000 visitors. By shining a light on both Indigenous cultures and migrant workers, the museum enriches the historic center of the city, adorned with vibrant houses, artisan shops, and eateries along the Branco River. ProAcre’s efforts have strengthened local heritage appreciation, as emphasized by project manager Fatima Amazonas.
Former Meta student Aline Albuquerque expressed her joy in seeing the space utilized effectively, reminiscing about her childhood experiences within the old school. For individuals wishing to visit, scheduling online is required.
The Museum of the Acrean Peoples stands as a significant cultural institution in the Amazon, highlighting the history and heritage of Acre. With support from the World Bank and local development projects, it transforms an important historical building into a space that fosters regional pride and understanding. The museum’s diverse exhibitions provide valuable insights into both indigenous and settler cultures, enhancing visitors’ appreciation of Acre’s rich heritage. Overall, it serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its unique cultural identity.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
