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Monarchist faction attempts to control Brazilian museums amid political interference

institutional · 2026-04-23

A conflict has arisen in Brazilian museology, involving historians and employees of the Brazilian Institute of Museums (Ibram) opposing a monarchist faction within Jair Bolsonaro's administration, spearheaded by Bertrand de Orléans e Bragança. This faction aims to gain influence over historical museums to further its agenda, having previously attempted to seize control of the National Museum of Rio after the devastating fire in 2018. Key supporters include Sérgio Camargo and Olav Antonio Schrader. On January 25, civil servants urged the appointment of Luciana Conrado Martins as the National Historical Museum (MHN) director, a request overlooked by Ibram president Pedro Machado Mastrobuono. The MHN, which is celebrating its centenary, houses around 300,000 artifacts. On January 27, the Consultative Council of Cultural Heritage condemned the assaults on Iphan.

Key facts

  • A monarchist faction within Bolsonaro's government is attempting to control Brazilian historical museums.
  • Civil servants demand the appointment of Luciana Conrado Martins as director of the National Historical Museum after a public selection.
  • Over 1,500 people signed a petition supporting the appointment by January 27.
  • The Federal Council of Museology urged Ibram to comply with the law on January 27.
  • The monarchist group is led by Bertrand de Orléans e Bragança, who claims to be heir to the Brazilian throne.
  • Allies include Sérgio Camargo of the Palmares Foundation and Olav Antonio Schrader at Iphan-Rio.
  • The group previously failed to take over the National Museum of Rio after the 2018 fire.
  • The National Historical Museum celebrates its centenary in 2022 and holds about 300,000 items.

Entities

Institutions

  • Instituto Brasileiro de Museus (Ibram)
  • Secretaria Especial de Cultura
  • Museu Histórico Nacional (MHN)
  • Conselho Federal de Museologia (Cofem)
  • Museu Nacional do Rio
  • Fundação Palmares
  • Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (Iphan)
  • Museu da República
  • Conselho Consultivo do Patrimônio Cultural

Locations

  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Brazil
  • Salvador
  • Bahia

Sources