The most famous building in Natal is the Memorial Câmara Cascudo. The memorial consists of a museum and a statue of Câmara Cascudo, which stands in front of the facade of the main building. What makes this complex so attractive?

Let's start with who Câmara Cascudo is. He is not very famous all over the world, but he is a real superstar in Brazil: he was a historian and folklorist who made a significant contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the region. Actually, the memorial is in the building where he lived from 1947 to 1986. The building appeared there back in 1900 and was in danger of not surviving to this day: it was seriously damaged by termites in 2005. But, thanks to the timely restoration work, it was saved. And in 2010 a museum was opened in it.

The exhibition space boasts an extensive and diverse collection. So what can you see in the museum? For example, African Ethnography.  In 1963, Cascudo traveled to another continent and brought back some amazing authentic ebony items. They were bought in the markets of the Congo, Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea.

Of course, the museum also presents ethnographies of the indigenous peoples of Brazil. The historian actively studied the culture of the Indians: he traveled to distant tribes, communicated with people, and documented folklore. He brought back many wooden and ceramic items from his travels. 

And that's not all! There are also exhibits devoted to Brazilian traditional art, iconography as well as valuable items brought by Cascudo from trips to Europe (especially to Portugal). And since the museum building is a historical monument, some objects are dedicated to its long history. For example, antique furniture has been there since the museum was built. The highlight of the collection is a set of sofas, armchairs, and chairs made of rosewood.