The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói, usually called MAC Niterói, is a museum of modern art set on the Mirante da Boa Viagem in Niterói, the city across Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro. It is reached at the Boa Viagem address in the city, and it makes a focused visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and architecture.
The collection and the building
The museum holds a large collection of modern art, and its home is as much a draw as the works inside. The building was designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, and its striking form has made it one of the most recognisable structures in the region. Visitors often come as much to see the architecture from the outside as to walk through the galleries.
Planning a visit
MAC Niterói works well as a half-day outing. Consider the following when you plan:
- Check opening hours and tickets before you travel, as these can change.
- Allow time for the view, since the museum sits on a lookout above the bay.
- Combine it with Niterói, where the surrounding area offers other places to walk and eat.
- Reach it from Rio by crossing the bay, which itself gives a good view of the city.
If you enjoy modern art and good architecture, the museum is worth making the crossing for. Those looking for a traditional historic collection may find it a different kind of visit.
