Petropolis Wax Museum (Museu de Cera de Petrópolis) Tours

Museu de Cera de Petrópolis (Petropolis Wax Museum) showcases wax replicas of Brazilian and global celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters. The figures displayed in the museum—which is the only one of its kind in the state of Rio de Janeiro—exhibit a high standard of realism.

The Basics
The museum features world-renowned figures such as Albert Einstein; Brazilian historical figures such as Dom Pedro II, Santos Dumont, and former president Lula; fictional pop culture favorites such as Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean; and Brazilian sporting heroes such as Pelé and Ayrton Senna. The life-size sculptures are produced by American and English studios and perfectly portray the texture of the skin, hair, and eyes of the figures.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Museu de Cera de Petrópolis is a must-visit for families with kids of all ages.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible.
• You can take photos beside all of the figures in the wax museum, so don’t forget your camera.
• Groups of more than 15 get discounted admission.

How to Get There
The museum is located in the historic center of Petrópolis, near the main sights of the city; Santos Dumont’s house is just a 2-minute walk away. If traveling from Rio de Janeiro, the museum is around a 1.5-hour drive via the road BR-040.

When to Get There
Museu de Cera de Petropolis is open every day from mid-morning until early evening—with slightly later opening hours on Saturdays. It’s closed on December 25 and January 1. Weekends and school holidays are busiest.

Wax Hands
For an extra-special souvenir, Museu de Cera de Petropolis gives you the chance to have wax hand moulds made using non-toxic and anti-allergic wax. The process takes about four minutes and the molds come in many different shapes and colors, and with fun accessories.