Aviation Museums › Air Force & Military Aviation
The Museu Aeroespacial (MUSAL) is the Brazilian Air Force's national aerospace museum at Campo dos Afonsos in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro, a site known as the cradle of Brazilian aviation. Opened in 1976, it preserves and displays aircraft, engines, documents, and other artifacts of Brazilian and world aviation history, with free admission.
Founded 1976Address Av. Marechal Fontenelle, 2000, Campo dos Afonsos, Rio de Janeiro - RJ 21740-000, BrazilOfficial website ↗
Notable Exhibits
- Caudron G.3 — An early World War I-era French reconnaissance aircraft from the formative years of military aviation in Brazil.
- Curtiss P-40N — A World War II fighter of the type flown by Brazilian Air Force squadrons in Italy.
- Dassault Mirage III EBR — A Cold War-era supersonic fighter that served with the Brazilian Air Force (designation F-103).
- North American T-6 Texan — The historic trainer used by Brazilian aviation pioneer Coronel Braga, displayed in the museum's collection.
The museum opened on October 18, 1976 at the site of the former Escola de Aeronáutica at Afonsos Air Force Base, after its nucleus was created by presidential decree on July 31, 1973.
The idea of a Brazilian aeronautical museum dates back to 1943, when Minister of Aeronautics Salgado Filho ordered its organization.
It is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free entry and free parking.
Verified 2026-09-13 · Planeje Sua Visita (Plan Your Visit), Museu Aeroespacial - Visite Museus, Museu Aeroespacial - Wikipedia