Museum of Public Health Emílio Ribas

The Museum of Public Health Emílio Ribas houses medical instruments, photographs, and documents that trace how healthcare evolved in Brazil. The collections also include sound recordings and videos that provide a complete view of this medical history.

The museum was established in 1979 in a building from 1893 that originally functioned as a central disinfection facility, one of Brazil's earliest public health institutions. This building represents the country's early efforts to fight disease.

The museum bears the name of Emílio Ribas, a pioneer in epidemiology whose work shaped public health in Brazil. Its collections reflect how medical knowledge and health practices have changed over time and what mattered to people throughout these shifts.

The museum is open Monday through Friday and requires visitors to schedule an appointment in advance. Staff can also assist with research if you want to study the materials more deeply.

The collection holds one of Brazil's largest archives of health-related materials, including rare documents from the 19th century. These historical objects reveal medical practices that are largely forgotten today.

Location: Bom Retiro District

Inception: 1979

Address: Rua Tenente Pena, nº 100 - Bom Retiro

Phone: +551126273885

Email: acervoer@butantan.com.br

Website: http://butantan.gov.br/atracoes/museu-emilio-ribas

GPS coordinates: -23.52641,-46.64211

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04