Casa dos Contos Ouro Preto
Explore Brazil's colonial past at Casa dos Contos, a grand museum showcasing currency, history, and the poignant story of slavery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Casa dos Contos Ouro Preto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Brazil's colonial past at Casa dos Contos, a grand museum showcasing currency, history, and the poignant story of slavery.
"A must-visit for history buffs, offering a profound look into Brazil's economic and social past."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. A great value for history buffs!
Emotional Experience Ahead 😥
Be prepared for the poignant exhibits on slavery; it's a powerful and moving part of the visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Slave Quarters
Basement
A deeply moving exhibition detailing the harsh realities of enslaved people's lives. Prepare for an emotional impact.
Coinage and Currency Exhibits
Main Halls
Explore Brazil's monetary history with fascinating displays of old coins, banknotes, and administrative documents.
Architectural Grandeur
Entire Building
Admire the impressive 18th-century architecture of this grand building, once a residence and tax administration hub.
Window Photo Spot
Exterior Window
Capture stunning photos using the iconic windows of Casa dos Contos as a picturesque backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Casa dos Contos
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. A great value for history buffs!
Emotional Experience Ahead 😥
Be prepared for the poignant exhibits on slavery; it's a powerful and moving part of the visit.
Photo Opportunities 📸
The architecture is stunning. Don't miss the chance to take photos, especially from the windows!
Enthusiastic Guides 👍
If you're lucky, an employee might offer an enthusiastic guided tour, enriching your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this historical gem without an entry fee. A great value for history buffs!
Emotional Experience Ahead 😥
Be prepared for the poignant exhibits on slavery; it's a powerful and moving part of the visit.
Photo Opportunities 📸
The architecture is stunning. Don't miss the chance to take photos, especially from the windows!
Enthusiastic Guides 👍
If you're lucky, an employee might offer an enthusiastic guided tour, enriching your visit.
Check Hours ⏰
Closed on Mondays. Verify opening times, especially on Sundays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Casa dos Contos to be a worthwhile and historically significant museum, particularly appreciating its free admission and the detailed exhibits on currency and the poignant displays about slavery. Some suggest more digital interactive features to enhance engagement.
"Worthwhile to look around and learn about money and gold. One of their employees showed us around. She was so enthusiastic and showed us every room!"
Adam B
"Very interesting museus about the gold age, national money bank and slavery history"
Isaías Faria Silva
"Free admission and a large spacious museum with English signs make this a winner. This place is soaked in history, take the tine to visit while in Ouro Preto."
Simon G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa dos Contos is centrally located in Ouro Preto, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in the historic center. If arriving by car, be aware that parking can be challenging in the narrow, hilly streets. Consider public transport or a taxi if coming from further afield. 
Due to its historic nature and the building's layout, accessibility can be limited, especially in the basement areas. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission to Casa dos Contos is free! This makes it an excellent and accessible attraction for all visitors looking to explore Ouro Preto's rich history.
Casa dos Contos is typically open from 10 AM to 4 PM, but it is closed on Mondays. On Sundays, it usually closes earlier, around 2 PM. It's always a good idea to double-check the current hours before your visit.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can usually walk in during opening hours. However, for special events or guided tours, it might be beneficial to inquire beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Casa dos Contos offers a deep dive into Brazil's history, featuring exhibits on its past as a tax administration center, a mint, and importantly, the living quarters of enslaved people. You'll find displays of furniture, documents, books, and currency from the 18th and 19th centuries. +1
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and whether you engage with any available guided information. The slave quarters and currency exhibits are particularly detailed.
While not always formally scheduled, sometimes enthusiastic museum staff offer impromptu guided tours, sharing detailed insights about the building and its history.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibition areas. The exterior, especially the windows, is a popular spot for photos.
Originally built between 1782 and 1787 as a residence and tax collection center, it later served as a mint and housed enslaved people. It's a crucial site for understanding colonial Brazil's economy and social structure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Casa dos Contos is a historical museum and does not have on-site dining facilities. However, Ouro Preto's historic center is filled with charming cafes and restaurants just a short walk away.
The museum features exhibits on the kitchens of enslaved people, offering insights into their diet, which was often basic and reliant on what could be grown or acquired.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, particularly the distinctive windows, offers fantastic photo opportunities. Inside, the historical rooms and exhibits provide unique backdrops.
While personal photography is generally permitted, professional photoshoots might require special permission. It's advisable to contact the museum administration in advance if you plan a dedicated photoshoot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to prepare children for the historical context, especially the difficult aspects of slavery. The museum is spacious, allowing kids some room to move, but the historical significance and emotional weight of certain exhibits should be considered when planning your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring other free attractions in Ouro Preto, like walking through the historic streets and admiring the churches from the outside. This makes Casa dos Contos a perfect addition to an itinerary focused on experiencing the city's heritage affordably.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the historical rooms, preserved furniture, and the currency exhibits provide a rich tapestry of textures and stories to capture. While personal photography is generally allowed, it's wise to confirm any specific restrictions within exhibition areas. The exterior, especially during golden hour, can be particularly stunning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Echoes of Slavery at Casa dos Contos
+1The exhibits go beyond just the living spaces, often detailing the food and daily routines of the enslaved population. This provides a crucial, albeit difficult, understanding of the economic system that fueled Ouro Preto's prosperity. The contrast between the grandeur of the main house and the stark reality of the slave quarters is a powerful reminder of the dual nature of this historical site.
Many visitors emphasize that this part of the museum is a must-see for a comprehensive understanding of Brazilian history, urging others to prepare for a profound emotional experience. It's a testament to the museum's role in preserving and presenting this vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of the past.
From Tax Hub to Museum: The Multifaceted History
+1Over time, the building's function evolved. It later became a mint, responsible for producing currency, and also housed important public institutions. This evolution underscores its central position in the region's development. The museum now showcases this history through exhibits featuring furniture, documents, books, and currency from the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a tangible connection to Brazil's past.
Today, as a museum, Casa dos Contos stands as a significant historical patrimony of Brazil. Its grand architecture and the stories it holds make it a compelling destination for anyone interested in the economic, social, and political history of the country.
+1Capturing Ouro Preto's Charm at Casa dos Contos
One of the most frequently highlighted spots for photography is the distinctive windows of the museum. These architectural features offer a unique framing device, allowing visitors to capture both the building's facade and glimpses of the charming Ouro Preto streets beyond. Many recommend using these windows to create artistic and engaging photos.
Beyond the exterior, the historical interiors, with their preserved furniture and artifacts, also offer excellent opportunities for capturing the essence of Ouro Preto's past. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to snap some great vacation photos, Casa dos Contos provides ample inspiration.
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