The Museum of the Acrean Peoples in Rio Branco, opened in August 2023 with World Bank support, showcases Acre’s rich history and culture, featuring a Purussaurus fossil and several exhibitions. The museum was established through the ProAcre project, transforming an abandoned school into a cultural site. Since its opening, it has attracted over 32,000 visitors, enhancing community pride and offering unique interactive experiences.
The Museum of the Acrean Peoples, located in downtown Rio Branco, Brazil, showcases the vibrant history and culture of the remote state of Acre. Officially opened to the public in August 2023, the museum emerges amid claims of Acre’s existence, emphasizing the rich legacy of the region. A key feature is the fossil of a Purussaurus, an ancient relative of the caiman, contextualizing Acre’s prehistoric significance for visitors.
The establishment of the museum was facilitated through the Acre Social and Economic Inclusion and Sustainable Development Project (ProAcre), which received support from the World Bank. An investment of approximately R$ 16 million (about USD 2.8 million) transformed a defunct school into a thriving cultural site. The museum comprises seven air-conditioned exhibition areas featuring significant archaeological and paleontological collections.
Of particular note within the museum are the Chico Mendes Room, the recreated house of a rubber tapper, and the Personalities Room dedicated to prominent Acreans like musician João Donato and politician Enéas Carneiro. An interactive room allows visitors to engage with local culture through word puzzles and discovery of regional slang, underscoring the museum’s mission to educate and illuminate the state’s heritage.
The history of the building dates back to 1952, originally serving as a boarding school for boys, later transitioning to the Fathers’ School and eventually to a secular institution called Meta. The school, notable for its cultural activities and student movements, remained operational until 2005, becoming abandoned until its conversion into a museum in 2018.
Since its opening, the Museum of the Acrean Peoples has attracted over 32,000 visitors, highlighting the stories of both indigenous populations and those who migrated to the state in search of prospects. Positioned in a historic area filled with vibrant local culture, the museum enhances tourists’ experiences of Rio Branco.
Visitors can appreciate the scenic views of the surrounding neighborhood from the museum’s mezzanine, which enriches their visit and connection to Acrean history. “ProAcre made this and other investments in properties representing the state’s cultural and historical heritage,” states Fatima Amazonas, the project manager for the World Bank. Former Meta student Aline Albuquerque expressed joy in witnessing the site’s revitalization, reflecting on its significance in her formative years.
For those wishing to explore the museum, visitation requires prior scheduling through online resources available at https://linktr.ee/MuseuDosPovosAcreanos.
The Museum of the Acrean Peoples serves as a vital cultural institution, illuminating Acre’s rich historical and cultural narratives. Funded by the ProAcre initiative and the World Bank, this transformation from an abandoned school to a museum fosters pride and connection among residents. With over 32,000 visitors since its inception, the museum enriches the community, inviting exploration of its heritage through various interactive exhibits and significant collections.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
