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We've compiled the best of the best in Belo Horizonte - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
In the main building of Belo's railway station, this museum has prompted the regeneration of the station's surrounding area since its opening in 2006. It houses almost 2,000 rudimentary tools and other items used by Brazilian laborers from the 17th to the 20th century.
Although it has an area of nearly 150 acres with Brazilian fauna, flora, archaeology, and mineralogy, the main attraction of this museum run by the Minas Gerais Federal University is the Presépio do Pipiripau (Pipiripau Crèche). This ingenious work of art narrates Christ's life in 45 scenes, with 580 moving figures. It was built by Raimundo Machado de Azevedo, who began assembling it in 1906 and finished in 1984.
More than 3,000 pieces extracted from sites all over the world are on display in the mineralogy museum, which is housed in a postmodern steel-and-glass building.
With 45 acres of luscious tropical plants and magical winding walkways, the Parque Municipal (municipal park) was inspired by the landscaping of French belle époque gardens and inaugurated in 1897. It shelters an orchid house, a bandstand, a school, a playground, and the Francisco Nunes Theater, a beautiful modern building designed by the architect Luiz Signorelli in the 1940s that still presents theatrical plays and musical performances. With more than 50 tree species, the Municipal Park is highly recommended for walks.
When the city was founded, this square was created to house public administration offices. Today, in addition to centenarian palm trees, fountains, and a bandstand, the square is surrounded by neoclassical, art deco, modern, and postmodern buildings. Take time to linger in the square and wander around the nearby streets. It's the best way to get the pulse of the city.
