The imperial crowns
Pedro I and Pedro II.
Filipo Tardim — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vanessarung — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cecioka — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Imperial Museum is the summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, Brazil's last emperor, in the heart of Petrópolis, the mountain town he created by decree on 16 March 1843 as an escape from the heat of Rio de Janeiro, and which was built largely by German immigrants. The neoclassical palace was begun in 1845 and finished in 1862, fitted with precious woods from the provinces of the empire, its entrance hall floored in Carrara marble and black Belgian marble. After the monarchy fell in 1889 much of its furniture was sold, and a school occupied it from 1909 to 1939; the museum was created by decree in 1940 and opened on 16 March 1943. Today it holds some 300,000 items, best known the crown of Pedro II, made for his coronation at the age of fifteen, and the crown of his father Pedro I, and Empress Leopoldina's necklace of gold, emeralds and rubies, along with furniture, paintings and the everyday objects of the imperial family. The palace is surrounded by gardens laid out by the Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Binot under the young emperor's direction, with a pavilion of old imperial carriages. Entry is free on Sundays, so expect crowds.
Pedro I and Pedro II.
19th-century furnishings.
And the carriage pavilion.
Rua da Imperatriz 220, Petrópolis historic centre
Cathedral of PetrópolisThe Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara, the Cathedral of Petrópolis, is the tow6 minutes walk4.7
Crystal PalaceThe Crystal Palace is an iron-and-glass pavilion in central Petrópolis, its part11 minutes walk4.6
Santos Dumont House (A Encantada)The Santos Dumont House is a small summer home built in 1918 by Alberto Santos-D12 minutes walk4.6On Sundays since 3 May 2026; on other days the ticket is R$10, half price R$5. The museum is closed on Mondays.