Palácio Antônio Lemos MABE
A magnificent neoclassical palace housing a museum of art, offering a free glimpse into Belém's history and culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Palácio Antônio Lemos MABE
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent neoclassical palace housing a museum of art, offering a free glimpse into Belém's history and culture.
"A free gem showcasing stunning architecture and regional art, a must-visit in Belém's historic center."
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the palace and museum without an entry fee. A fantastic value for art and history lovers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Historic Center
The palace is in the heart of Belém's historic center, perfect for a walking tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neoclassical Facade
Exterior
Admire the grand neoclassical architecture, featuring Tuscan columns and intricate sculptures of Olympian gods.
Marble Staircase
Interior
Ascend the impressive Neo-Greek marble staircase, a testament to the palace's opulent past.
MABE Art Collection
Museum Galleries
Discover a curated collection of regional art, grouped thematically, offering insights into local artistic heritage.
Elaborate Ceilings
Grand Halls
Look up to marvel at the ornate stucco ceilings adorned with allegorical depictions and European chandeliers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Rich History
Art & Architecture Blend
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Belém Tower in Lisbon, Portugal
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the palace and museum without an entry fee. A fantastic value for art and history lovers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Historic Center
The palace is in the heart of Belém's historic center, perfect for a walking tour.
Belem Tower outside of Lisbon. Doesn't look like much from afar, but definitely worth a little exploration.
Cruise stop in Portugal on a Monday - still worth going to Belem just for the pastries?
🖼️ Thematic Art Groupings
Art is grouped by theme, not artist. Appreciate the narrative flow of the collection.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Don't just focus on the art; the palace's neoclassical design is a major highlight.
Oddities or must-sees in Lisbao?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the palace and museum without an entry fee. A fantastic value for art and history lovers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Historic Center
The palace is in the heart of Belém's historic center, perfect for a walking tour.
🖼️ Thematic Art Groupings
Art is grouped by theme, not artist. Appreciate the narrative flow of the collection.
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
Don't just focus on the art; the palace's neoclassical design is a major highlight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Palácio Antônio Lemos for its stunning neoclassical architecture and the opportunity to explore its rich history and art collection, especially given its free admission. While the thematic art groupings are unique, some find them a bit confusing without prior knowledge of regional art history.
"Good museum (it's also free) of twentieth and some nineteenth century art. The main attraction is perhaps the palace itself, which has just been extensively restored. Art work is grouped by theme rather than by artist or period, which may be slightly confusing if you don't have a good understanding of regional art history already."
Hartmut Ziche
"Localizado no Centro Histórico da capital do Estado do Pará, tombado em 1942 pelo Instituto de Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional–IPHAN, nas esferas federal, estadual e municipal, foi construído para abrigar o Paço Municipal e inaugurado, antes de sua conclusão total, em 15 de agosto de 1883, após 20 anos do início de sua edificação. Possui arquitetura denominada de estilo imperial brasileiro, um neoclássico tardio, com colunas toscanas, triângulos e simetria na fachada, ostentando em seu frontão três estátuas de Deuses do Olimpo que carregam simbologias peculiares: Deusa Minerva (Atena), Deus Hermes (Mercúrio) e Deus Héfesto (Vulcano). No interior, estão as escadarias neogregas em mármore de lioz, dois pátios e os grandes salões. São notórios também, os pisos em mosaico ornamentados no térreo, os tetos com estuques de alegorias elaboradas, os lustres de procedência europeia, a sala com revestimento em ferro prensado e pintado, elementos decorativos característicos de um período do fausto apogeu da borracha. O Palácio recebeu o nome Antonio Lemos, no ano de 1950, em homenagem ao Intendente de Belém do período 1897/1911, que em sua administração promoveu grande reforma no Palácio, visando recuperar a espacialidade original. Sendo Lemos, um dos principais protagonistas do processo de reurbanização e modernização da cidade de Belém.
Ao longo de sua história, o Palácio Antonio Lemos abrigou o Tribunal de Relação, a Junta Comercial, o Conselho Municipal e a Câmara de Deputados, passou por diversas reformas e adaptações, algumas, inclusive, sem nenhum critério. Nos anos 90 bastante descaracterizado e em precárias condições, levando a Prefeitura de Belém a restaurá-lo, com o apoio da Fundação Banco do Brasil, tomando como base a restauração em suas linhas originais. A partir do projeto de 1860, de autoria de José Coelho da Gama Abreu, o Barão de Marajó. Reforma entregue em janeiro de 1994, sedia o Museu de Arte de Belém (MABE) e o poder municipal."
Leide Mara Rodrigues de Sousa
"Sede da prefeitura e de alguns órgãos municipais tem espaço para exposições que são bem interessantes não consegui fazer a visita guiada que parece ser bem legal"
Rinaldo Tsuruda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The palace is located in the historic center of Belém, easily accessible by local buses or taxis. It's a central point, making it convenient to reach from most parts of the city.
Street parking can be challenging in the historic center. It's often easier to use public transport or ride-sharing services.
Yes, the Palácio Antônio Lemos is situated in the Cidade Velha, making it walkable to other historical sites and attractions in the area.
Many visitors enjoy walking tours to fully appreciate the architecture and history of the area surrounding the palace.
The historic center is served by several bus lines, connecting it to different neighborhoods of Belém. Check local schedules for routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Palácio Antônio Lemos and the Museu de Arte de Belém (MABE) is completely free!
The palace is typically open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any last-minute schedule changes.
No, since entry is free, you do not need to book tickets in advance. You can usually just walk in during opening hours.
The palace is generally closed on Mondays. It's open on Tuesdays through Sundays.
While the permanent collection is free, special temporary exhibitions might have different admission policies. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the Museu de Arte de Belém (MABE) with 19th and 20th-century art, stunning neoclassical interiors, marble staircases, and ornate ceilings.
Guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the palace's history and art. Some visitors mention missing out on them.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the art collection and the architecture.
While the main floors are generally accessible, some older buildings may have limitations. Inquire about specific accessibility features if needed.
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's always good to check for any restrictions on flash photography or specific exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand marble staircase, the neoclassical facade with its sculptures, and the ornate ceilings in the main halls are prime photo opportunities.
Generally, yes, for personal use. However, always look for signage or ask staff about any restrictions, especially regarding flash.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, while interior lighting is generally good throughout the day. Consider visiting during quieter hours for unobstructed shots.
The intricate stucco work on the ceilings, the detailed mosaic floors on the ground floor, and the European chandeliers are highly photogenic.
Drone photography is typically restricted in urban and historical areas due to regulations. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the architectural elements and the stories behind the statues on the facade. A guided tour, if available, could make the visit more interactive and educational for kids. Since it's located in the historic center, it can be combined with other family-friendly activities in the area for a full day of exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding historic center on foot, which is also free. Pack your own snacks and water to save on dining costs, as the palace is a perfect spot for a leisurely exploration without breaking the bank.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the details of the facade, the symbolism of the statues, and the interior decorations that reflect different historical periods. The thematic art collection also provides context for the cultural and artistic landscape of Pará throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. A guided tour would be highly beneficial for a comprehensive historical understanding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Styles
Inside, the palace continues to impress with its Neo-Greek marble staircases and grand halls. Visitors can admire mosaic floors on the ground floor, ceilings adorned with elaborate allegorical stucco work, and elegant European chandeliers. A notable feature is a room with pressed and painted iron elements, reflecting the decorative styles of the rubber boom era in Belém. The palace has undergone several renovations, with a significant restoration in the 1990s aiming to restore its original grandeur based on the 1860 project by José Coelho da Gama Abreu.
Originally built to house the Municipal Council, the palace has served various governmental functions throughout its history, including the Court of Appeals and the Commercial Board. Its transformation into the Museu de Arte de Belém (MABE) alongside its continued use by the municipal government highlights its dual role as a historical monument and a vibrant cultural space. The extensive restoration efforts have preserved its architectural integrity for future generations to appreciate.
The Art of Belém: MABE's Collection
While the collection is described as good, some visitors note that it might be slightly confusing for those unfamiliar with the specific history of regional art. However, the thematic organization can also be a strength, allowing for a more immersive and interpretive experience. The palace itself, with its opulent interiors, serves as a magnificent backdrop for these artistic displays, enhancing the overall cultural immersion.
Visitors often praise the palace's art collection as a significant attraction, complementing the already impressive architecture. It's a space where history, art, and culture converge, offering a rich and rewarding experience for anyone interested in the artistic heritage of Pará. The free admission makes it an even more compelling destination for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
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