The National Historical Museum (Portuguese: Museu Histórico Nacional) of Brazil was created in 1922, and possesses over 287,000 items, including the largest numismatic collection of Latin America.

The architectural complex that houses the museum was built in 1603 as the St. James of Mercy Fort; earlier structures date back to 1567, erected by order of King Sebastian I of Portugal.

Created in August 1922, by decree of President Epitácio Pessoa the National Historical Museum starts its activities in October,[1] integrating the Centennial Exhibition, in two special rooms of the Casa do Trem (Ammunition Depot).

[2] The collection of private collectors, such as the Bahian senator Miguel Calmon de Pin e Almeida, the Guinle family and the museologist Sophia Jobin helped to compose the property of the museum in its initial period.

Another important collection, acquired in the early years of the museum, is the ivory religious sculptures of businessman and collector Souza Lima, purchased by President Getúlio Vargas in a certain modality promoted by the Caixa Econômica Federal in 1940.