Art Museum of Belém, Art museum in Antônio Lemos Palace, Belém, Brazil

The Art Museum of Belém occupies the upper floor and two ground-floor rooms of the Antônio Lemos Palace, also called Palacete Azul, in the Cidade Velha neighbourhood between Felipe Patroni and D. Pedro II squares. The palace was designed by José Coelho da Gama e Abreu, begun in 1860 and finished in 1885 in late neoclassical Empire style. The museum holds over 1,500 works from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Construction of the Antônio Lemos Palace began in 1860 and was completed in 1885 to house the Municipal Stewardship, following the late neoclassical Empire style. It was designed by José Coelho da Gama e Abreu and later housed the Court of Appeals, the Board of Trade and the Chamber of Deputies. Listed by IPHAN in 1942, it became the museum's home in 1994 after renovation.

The museum displays both contemporary and historical artworks within the original palace rooms, where the architecture itself becomes part of the art experience. Exhibitions use the building's decorative walls and ceilings as frames for paintings and installations.

The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Sunday during daytime hours and staff provides guided tours regularly. Educational programs and special events are offered throughout the year, so checking ahead helps plan your visit around these activities.

The Antônio Lemos Palace, known as the "Palacete Azul", was built from 1860 to 1885 to house the Municipal Stewardship and still serves as Belém's city hall. It is one of a small group of 19th-century Brazilian buildings that keep their original public function, and it was listed by IPHAN in 1942.