The article discusses the aftermath of the fire in Brazil’s National Museum, emphasising the shift needed from bureaucratic to results-oriented management in the public sector. It highlights the urgent need to address the structural inefficiencies in public administration and societal neglect that contributed to the museum’s tragic loss. Rather than assigning blame, the focus is on society’s collective responsibility to confront the outdated status quo and address the public crisis at hand.
Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for managing museological heritage are explored, with a call for a more proactive approach to risk management and security in light of recent disasters. The transition towards New Public Management paradigms is seen as essential for enhancing the protection of cultural and environmental patrimony in Brazil.
Efforts and initiatives post-fire include immediate support from museum professionals, researchers, and national and international institutions like the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The importance of integrating economic priorities with creativity, knowledge production, and social transformation in heritage management is underscored.
UNESCO’s prioritisation of planning and recovery efforts for the National Museum, along with government actions to improve risk management and safeguard cultural heritage, are highlighted as crucial steps towards implementing effective programs for managing risks in museums and memory institutions nationwide. The article stresses the need for a coordinated and committed approach to ensure the preservation and protection of Brazil’s rich cultural heritage in the face of increasing challenges and disasters.
