ABSTRACT
This entry presents a history of the National Museum as an example of the challenges to Brazilian museums facing political objectives at different times. The New Museology is examined, as a landmark for the transformation of the institutions of memory, and an example of the ever-changing activities of the National Museum (Museu nacional) in Rio de Janeiro. The text should be considered as a contribution to museological sciences encouraging reflections between professionals of different subspecialities in various museums.
