After almost a month closed due to the flooding of the Acre River, Casa de Chico Mendes reopens in Xapuri

The space, which houses a precious historical collection about the life and work of rubber tappers in the state of Acre, is once again accessible to the public from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm

After being flooded by the heavy rains that devastated the city of Xapuri fifteen days ago, Casa de Chico Mendes, the environmentalist leader’s residence and symbol of the rubber tappers’ struggle, reopened its doors. The space, which houses a precious historical collection about the life and work of rubber tappers in the state of Acre, is once again accessible to the public from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm.

The house’s proximity to the Acre River, just 100 meters away, put it at imminent risk during the flood period. A joint action between the Fire Department, Xapuri City Hall and the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan) was essential to protect the property and its collection. A contingency plan was quickly put into practice, with the removal of objects and furniture to a safe location, on the campus of the Federal University of Acre (Ufac).

Architect Gabriel Mota, head of the Technical Division at Iphan-AC, emphasized the importance of collective mobilization to protect this historical heritage. “As soon as the waters began to rise, all entities involved in protecting this asset mobilized to put our contingency plan into practice,” he highlighted.

Casa de Chico Mendes, listed as Brazilian Cultural Heritage since 2007, is more than a physical space. It is a symbol of the struggle and resistance of rubber tappers and of Chico Mendes himself, an environmentalist and trade unionist murdered in 1988 for his tireless defense of the Amazon and its inhabitants.

Chico Mendes gained international recognition for his fight for environmental preservation and better living conditions for Amazonian workers. His house, in addition to housing historical objects and furniture, has a peculiar architecture, typical of the Amazon region, being a true example of vernacular architecture.

The Xapuri Municipal Department of Culture and Tourism informs that it is not necessary to make an appointment in advance to visit Casa de Chico Mendes, inviting local residents and tourists to get to know this important piece of Acre and Brazilian history up close.