The Imperial Museum located in Petrópolis, a city in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, has announced it will halt public operations during the Carnival period of 2026. The closure will take place from Friday, February 13, until Tuesday, February 17, with the museum expected to reopen on Ash Wednesday, February 18, following regular hours. The museum's administration is implementing this closure as part of a safety protocol designed to protect both its visitors and staff during significant festive gatherings.

This decision was made in light of the City Hall of Petrópolis confirming a full schedule of Carnival events, which includes various street parades, samba schools, and musical performances in Praça Visconde de Mauá, an area adjacent to the museum. The influx of visitors expected for the festivities led the museum to take preventive measures amidst concerns over crowding and potential safety issues. The museum had initially planned to continue its regular programming, including the shows “Sound and Light” and “An Imperial Evening,” but was unprepared for the scale of the surrounding events.

The closing of the museum during such an important cultural festival highlights the balancing act that institutions often have to maintain between enhancing visitor experiences and ensuring safety in the context of large public gatherings. As the city gears up for these lively celebrations, the museum emphasizes its commitment to following safety guidelines, showcasing how cultural sites respond to external events in managing both community engagement and security.