AMERICAN EXPRESS PARTNERS IN PRESERVATION
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Quinta da Boa Vista (National Museum) (1803–1910)
Home to the Brazilian imperial family for much of the nineteenth century, until the monarchy was overthrown in 1889, the original Quinta da Boa Vista was constructed in 1803 by a local aristocrat, Elias Antônio Lopes, and subsequently expanded.
The palace now houses the collections of the National Museum, including the most important scientific collection in Brazil. Its interiors reflect the changing tastes of members of the imperial family, including Empress Leopoldina, whose private quarters in the south wing of the palace have elaborate molded plaster work and painted decoration.
The interior conditions are deteriorating as a result of neglect and natural decay, including insect infestation in the flooring and cracks in the ceiling. A conservation plan for Empress Leopoldina's quarters is being developed that includes priority conservation measures, among them the restoration of the decorative painted and gilded ceilings and doorframes.
