Brazil's independence museum reopening ahead of bicentennial

Visitors take pictures in front of the painting 'Independence Or Death' by Brazilian artist Pedro Americo. The work is displayed at the Paulista Museum, known by Brazilians as the Ipiranga Museum in Sao Paulo. Photo: AP

It took nearly a decade of renovations, but finally one of Brazil's most popular museums is reopening as part of the country's bicentennial celebrations.

The Paulista Museum is in the heart of the manicured grounds of Sao Paulo's Independence Park and holds more than 3,000 items, including 2,800 restored since its closure in 2013. They include historic documents, paintings, household items and memorabilia.