Located in the centre of Porto Alegre, the Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art (MARGS) offers a rich cultural experience inside one of the city's most noteworthy historic buildings. Recognized as national heritage, the stunning eclectic building—its design traditionally attributed to German-Brazilian architect Theodor Wiederspahn—first opened to the public in 1955 before moving to its permanent home in 1978. Following major restorations in the 1990s, the space now easily accommodates modern art displays alongside prestigious international loan exhibitions.
When you visit, you will encounter a vast collection comprising over 2,600 objects spanning almost every form of visual art. The core of the museum focuses on regional works from Rio Grande do Sul, featuring exceptional paintings and works on paper by renowned local masters such as Iberê Camargo, Pedro Weingärtner, Vasco Prado, and the museum's founding director, Ado Malagoli. Beyond regional treasures, you can explore a fascinating selection of broader Brazilian art showcasing famous creators like Cândido Portinari and Emiliano di Cavalcanti, as well as select European paintings dating back to the end of the 19th century.
It is an essential stop for art lovers exploring southern Brazil.
What to see at Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art
- Historic national heritage building with impressive eclectic architecture
- Extensive regional collection featuring works by Iberê Camargo and Pedro Weingärtner
- Brazilian art pieces by master painters like Cândido Portinari and Emiliano di Cavalcanti
- European master paintings dating back to the late 19th century
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate both the historic exterior architecture and the diverse core collection of over 2,600 visual art objects.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Rio Grande do Sul Museum of Art is easy to reach on Porto Alegre’s public transport, and pairs naturally with São Pedro Theatre and Piratini palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Porto Alegre travel guide.
See the full Porto Alegre travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.