The Museum of the Amazon (Museu das Amazônias - MAZ), a groundbreaking cultural institution dedicated to celebrating science and technology in the Amazon region, officially opened its doors to the public in Belém on October 4th. This innovative museum represents a significant addition to Brazil's cultural landscape, serving as part of the ambitious Porto Futuro II development project initiated by the Government of Pará as a lasting legacy from COP 30 to the capital city.
The impressive 3,309-square-meter facility was designed through a collaborative effort between two prominent architectural firms: Guá Arquitetura, a local Pará-based office led by Luis Guedes and Pablo do Vale, and be.bo. arquitetos, a Rio de Janeiro firm headed by Bel Lobo and Bob Neri. The partnership between these firms brought together regional expertise and national architectural vision to create a space that reflects both local identity and contemporary design principles.
The museum's architectural design emphasizes the unique characteristics of the Amazon region while incorporating modern museum standards and accessibility features. The project team included specialists from various disciplines, with coordination by Lola Belchi Serrano and contributions from architects Leonardo Arruda, Larissa Teixeira, Fernanda Carvalho, Júlia Carreiro, Gabriela Rodrigues, André Nascimento, and Gabriel Parreira. The design process also involved extensive consultation with engineering and sustainability experts to ensure the building meets environmental standards appropriate for its Amazonian context.
Beyond the architectural achievement, the museum represents a comprehensive approach to cultural education and scientific outreach. The same architectural partnership that designed the building is also developing the museum's permanent exhibition design, which is scheduled to open in 2026. This integrated approach ensures that the building's architecture and its educational content work together seamlessly to provide visitors with an immersive experience of Amazonian science and technology.
The Museum of the Amazon stands as a testament to the region's commitment to promoting scientific literacy and technological innovation. As part of the broader Porto Futuro II initiative, the museum contributes to Pará's cultural infrastructure while serving as an educational resource for both local communities and international visitors interested in learning about the Amazon's crucial role in global science and environmental research.
