Museu Mariano Procópio: identidade, lugar de memória e percepções da população de Juiz de Fora

Abstract

The Mariano Procópio Museum, located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, is widely recognized by the local community as the city's main tourist attraction. Considered a cultural heritage of great relevance, the Museum, with its vast collection, is protected and preserved in all spheres of national heritage control. Despite having remained closed to the public for more than fifteen years, the recognition of its emotional importance by the inhabitants of Juiz de Fora was evident, as demonstrated in the efforts to recognize it as part of the city's historical and cultural heritage. This study investigates the role of the Museum in the city's collective memory and its relevance as a tourist destination after its reopening. Using a quantitative and qualitative methodological approach, questionnaires were administered to visitors to the institution, randomly. The research results indicate that, despite management challenges and a long period of inactivity, the Mariano Procópio Museum continues to play a significant role in the local community's emotional identity and maintains its relevance as a tourist attraction in the region.