Question: Ever wondered what stories the walls of a former police academy could tell? The Civil Police Museum in Rio de Janeiro is more than just a building. It is a portal into the history of crime and law enforcement in this vibrant city.
Established in 1912, the Civil Police Museum began as the Museum of Crime. Its initial purpose was to collect objects related to investigations and serve as a teaching aid for the Police Academy. Imagine law students learning how to detect crime using actual confiscated items. Over time, the museum expanded its collection. It now includes documents and materials produced by police work.
The Civil Police Museum is divided into sections. These sections cover the police institution and its history. There is the uniformed police of the former federal capital section. Then there is also police technique, the defunct secret police, early communication, forbidden games, and an armory. Each section offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of law enforcement in Rio.
The museum is housed in a French eclectic style building. The famed architect Heitor de Mello designed it in 1910. Its architecture adds to the historical ambiance. The Civil Police Museum is recorded in the International Council of Museums as a science museum.
One of the most unique and controversial collections within the Civil Police Museum is the Museum Collection of Black Magic. Formed in the 1920s, it houses religious objects related to Afro-Brazilian religions. Specifically, these objects are from Candomblé and Umbanda traditions. These items were confiscated from Candomblé terreiros. The police viewed these places as disruptive, sinister, or grotesque. In 1938, Mario de Andrade added the collection to the initial list of national heritage monuments. As a result, the Museum Collection of Black Magic was the first protected ethnographic collection in Brazil. Sadly, this collection has not been exhibited to the public since 1999.
The Civil Police Museum served not only as a school but also as a prison for artifacts. Amy Buono, a guest lecturer, said the museum attempted to contain and restrict the power of these objects. It subjugated them to a scholarly process of categorization and historicization.
Visiting the Civil Police Museum offers a unique perspective. It shows how law enforcement and cultural beliefs have intersected throughout history. It also shows how they have sometimes clashed in Rio de Janeiro. As you leave, consider the complex relationship between crime, culture, and the preservation of history within these walls.