Araxá – Museums, history and special discoveries

Araxá reveals itself through its museums, historic buildings and vibrant traditions. The subjects range from the art of Calmon Barreto and the city’s history to the religious and cultural heritage of its people. When planning a stay, you can decide whether to focus on museum visits, a walk or local culture.

Art, city history and landmark buildings

The Museu Calmon Barreto displays 257 works by Calmon Barreto. The Memorial de Araxá preserves 1,406 objects connected to 220 people who are part of the city’s history. The two collections offer different perspectives: one focuses on an artist’s work, while the other presents mementos associated with people and the history of Araxá.

A former railway station is also part of this cultural landscape. The Fundação Cultural Calmon Barreto is based in a former station of the Estrada de Ferro Oeste de Minas, built in 1926. The building has been protected as a municipal heritage site under Municipal Law No. 2,411 of December 28, 1990.

The Museu da Memória Legislativa Araxaense is located in the former building of the Câmara Municipal, known as the Palácio Nagib Feres. Its location in a former council building makes it another stop for anyone interested in the city’s institutional history. The Museu Sacro da Igreja de São Sebastião explores a different subject: it was established by Law No. 2,468 of November 14, 1991, to preserve the religious and artistic history of Araxá and its people.

Collective memory and traditions

The Centro de Referência da Cultura Negra preserves the history and memory of the Black community. Its gallery includes objects, biographies and photographs of notable citizens. The centre also offers a free guided tour. For a visit focused on culture, its stories of people and personal lives complement the museums’ themes of city history and art.

The Feast of São Sebastião is a tradition held on a set date: it is celebrated on January 20 and has been held there since 1811. Araxá’s ambrosia is also part of the cultural heritage. Since 2011, it has been recognised as intangible cultural heritage and protected by the Instituto Estadual do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico de Minas Gerais (Iepha).

A walk and more to discover

For outdoor activity, Parque do Cristo has a walking and hiking trail of approximately 1.4 kilometres. You can factor the stated distance into your day’s plans; it offers a different way to experience Araxá from exploring collections, buildings and history. If you choose a holiday rental in Araxá for your stay, these different interests can help shape your trip.

Nearby, the hot springs of Complexo do Barreiro are connected to the Grande Hotel by a suspended gallery. This adds another named place to visit in the area alongside the city’s museums and traditions.

Discover more destinations

Find more destinations on the pages for Monte Sião, São Sebastião Do Oeste, Caeté, Furnas, Catas Altas, Guaicuí, Mário Campos and Itambé do Mato Dentro.

Back to the main travel guide: Minas Gerais.