Memorial do Rio Grande do Sul

Memorial do Rio Grande do Sul Review

Built to house the post-office headquarters at the turn of the 20th century, the building was declared a national architectural landmark in 1981. It now houses a state museum. Although overall the style is neoclassical, German baroque influences are strong; the asymmetrical corner towers with their bronze rotundas are said to resemble Prussian army helmets. A permanent exhibit focuses on the state's history and the lives of important gaúchos, and on the second floor there's one of Brazil's largest collections of documents and manuscripts about Brazilian society.