Built in 1908, inspired by the Louvre, it is the main fine arts museum in Rio. The Brazilian collection is organised in chronological order in the main gallery, and shows the evolution of fine arts in Brazil from the 19th century to this date. Famous names such as Candido Portinari, Taunay, Pedro Américo and Victor Meirelles are represented here through some of their most significant works. In the other galleries, the work of contemporary and foreign artists is exhibited, along with an interesting set of sculptures and samples of African art.