Petrobras, alongside the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP) and major companies in the sector, is supporting the creation of the Museum of Petroleum and New Energies, which will transform Rio de Janeiro into a hub of knowledge, innovation, and reflection on the future of energy. The new cultural space, located in the city’s downtown area, will be dedicated to the history of the oil and gas industry and the paths toward the energy transition. The museum will operate in the historic building of the Automóvel Club do Brasil, with inauguration scheduled for 2028.

This Wednesday (03/18), Petrobras president Magda Chambriard, Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes, IBP representatives, and other authorities attended the event for the signing of the property transfer agreement to IBP. According to the Petrobras executive, the initiative represents progress in strengthening ties between the energy sector and society.

“The history of oil in Brazil deserves to be told to the world. We went from a condition of strong dependence on imports to becoming one of the leading producers, with global recognition in deep and ultradeep waters — the result of technological development and the training of highly qualified professionals. Our new generations — children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews — need to know this trajectory and understand the role of energy in the country’s development. For us, it is a great source of pride to be part of an initiative like this, which honors this history and brings it closer to society,” highlighted Magda Chambriard.

Commitment to the future of energy

The Museum of Petroleum and New Energies will be conceived as an immersive and interactive exhibition and educational center, presenting to the public the trajectory of petroleum in Brazil, the strategic role of energy in national development, and the paths toward a just energy transition.

Petrobras’ participation in the project reinforces its commitment to promoting knowledge, transparency, and dialogue with society about the challenges and opportunities of energy in the 21st century. The creation of the Museum of Petroleum and New Energies represents a legacy for Rio de Janeiro and for the country, bringing together historical preservation, scientific education, and reflection on the energy future in a single space. In addition to Petrobras, PRIO, CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corporation), and the Institute for Development and Management (IDG), responsible for designing the museum project, are also part of the initiative.

Impact and audience

The expectation is to receive around 300,000 in-person visitors and reach up to 1 million people when including digital initiatives. The target audience includes students, teachers, researchers, sector professionals, and society at large, with special attention to youth education.

Planned activities include guided school visits, interactive workshops, teacher training programs, and expert-led debates.

Restoration of a historical heritage site

The Automóvel Club do Brasil building, with approximately 4,400 square meters distributed over three floors, is being restored by the Rio de Janeiro city government in an investment of R$ 36.3 million. After the completion of the restoration, the space will be leased to IBP for a period of 30 years.

As the building is a protected heritage site listed by the State Institute of Cultural Heritage (INEPAC), all actions follow strict preservation guidelines. The project includes restoring façades, ornaments, and decorative elements, as well as refurbishing emblematic spaces such as the main hall, monumental salons, and the area beneath the dome.