The old Ministry of Foreign Affairs building can be visited during the week, but visits must be scheduled ahead by telephone (21) 2253-2828.
The palace was constructed in 1854 by Francisco José da Rocha, Count of Itamaraty and a wealthy coffee merchant, and was sold to the Brazilian government in 1889. It then became the headquarters of the Republican government, and, ten years later, the Ministry of Foreign Relations (thus is derived the name “Itamaraty,” which is still used today for the Ministry).
In 1960, when the capital was transferred to Brasilia, the building was no longer used as Itamaraty headquarters and became the Historical Museum, with its collections of paintings, sculptures, and furniture related to the history of Brazilian diplomacy.