The UFRGS Museum (Museu da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul) is one of the most important educational and cultural sites of Porto Alegre. As the name suggests, it was established at the main university of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and is engaged in museological activities in the field of science, technology, history, and art. It is a rare chance to visit a museum attached to an educational institution: as a rule, they are quite small and no one can go inside them. So the UFRGS Museum is a great opportunity to visit such an institution!

The UFRGS Museum was founded in 1984 and was originally conceived as an interdisciplinary museum. However, its collection is based on images and photographs of Porto Alegre and Rio Grande do Sul. In total, about 10 thousand cataloged exhibits are stored and displayed there.

The museum occupies the building of Cortumes e Tanantes, which is an object of cultural and historical heritage. It was built between 1910 and 1913 and was originally used as a laboratory at the University's School of Engineering. In 2000, a global renovation was carried out. At the same time, the collection of the exhibition space was expanded. So when the museum reopened two years later, it had been already equipped with modern appliances and ramps for people with disabilities to visit. However, the museum has retained its original layout, facade, and interior decoration despite all the innovations.

Currently, the UFRGS Museum has the main exhibition space and a mezzanine, which is used for educational events such as courses, lectures, and seminars. Besides, there is the annual exhibition of educational programs of the UFRGS Museum Course.

The UFRGS Museum is open from Monday to Saturday. The working hours: on Monday-Friday - from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Saturday - from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.