About
National Shoe Museum

The National Footwear Museum (MNC) is placed in the city of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was created in 1998, through the municipal decree number 159/98. This act was regulated by the public authorities, with the support of the university and business entities, allowed the space to open its doors to the community in September 1999, holding the first exhibition at its headquarters, which is on Campus I of Feevale University.

As a result of its innovative work, the proponent and first executive director, Prof. Cleber Prodanov, gave the Museum the purpose of being a cultural, educational and research venue, related to the productive sector, as well as to the local community.

The MNC proposal was based on a historical and social foundation, considered as a link between past and current generations.

The museum's collection has rare pieces, produced at different times, and on different continents. To present its collection, it has temporary exhibitions and a permanent exhibition, which addresses the life, art, and story of shoemakers.

The National Footwear Museum association does not have a religious or political-party institutional character, and, in the development of its actions, it remains adequate to the principles of legality, impersonality, morality, publicity, economy and efficiency, not making any discrimination against people, because of their race, color, gender or religion.

Since its opening, the Museum's main goal has been to preserve the memory of the leather-footwear sector, to preserve its history and culture. To fulfill this social, cultural and educational role, exhibitions, meetings, courses, seminars and lectures, among other activities, take place in its space.

The history of the museum
through the years

1998
1999
2000
2001
2005
2010
2015
2016
2016
2018
2019
2021
2022
2023
2024

The creation of MNC

On October 20, 1998, the then mayor of Novo Hamburgo, José Airton dos Santos, decreed the creation of the National Footwear Museum. The objective was to rescue the historical memory of the leather-footwear activity, in recognition of those who make Novo Hamburgo the largest national hub in this segment.

Absolutely Carrasco

Did you know that the Spanish stylist, José Maria Carrasco Menna (in memoriam), when he was still young, chose Novo Hamburgo to live? He was one of the great names of footwear design innovation. His works, which enchanted everybody, were present at the opening year exhibition of the MNC, in which he was also presented.

First MNC Exhibition outside the State

Part of the collection of the National Footwear Museum, some historical pieces, curiosities, and a documentary record were exhibited at FRANCAL 2000, in São Paulo.

Opening of the MNC Permanent Exhibition

The year in which the MNC Permanent Exhibition was launched, it brought together well-known names from local and national sports. Stories were told and curiosities were shown through a timeline.

Donation from the Shoemaker's Bench

“...distant from the shoes of modernity, the shoemaker steps on the carpet of time...”

(Rose Clemet)

Working hard, the artisan measures the young woman's foot on his workbench to produce the pair of shoes. Calloused hands create cherished, exclusive models to satisfy Cinderellas. The shoemaker's stand is the legacy of Mr. Nestor Erni Dullus, who exercised this noble profession throughout his life, and personal and work items were donated by his family to the MNC.

Oscar Award Winning Shoe

Thought and created by several stylists, several models of shoes received both national and international awards. Several of them were donated to the MNC. One of them was “Escamas de Peixe”, a shoe created by Ruy Chaves, who received an Oscar in 1971.

Exhibitions in partnership with Feevale University Courses

Here, the social, cultural, and educational purposes will always be fulfilled, because the MNC works in different actions, with the courses of the Feevale University.

An example of this was the exhibition of dresses from Cinema, Fashion and Art on the Screen, promoted by the Fashion course of Feevale. There were several reinterpretations of movie costumes, from the Middle Ages until the Belle Époque.

Commemorative Exhibitions: Sporting Events

World sporting events have always motivated the organization of exhibitions at the MNC.

In a chronological line, there was the exhibition “Um Século de Moda”, which brought the historical context of footwear from 1909 to 2009, showing representative pieces of that time.

External Exhibitions with Partners

The MNC has several partners, and through them we offer important events.

An example was the exhibition “Between Fauna and Flora: Nature inspires!” - Madness for Shoes Fair, at FENAC. The show featured shoes inspired by birds and insects from Rio Gamá, which is located in the state of Pará, as well as the relationship of cariocas with the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro.

External Exhibitions at Industry Events

In addition to permanent partners, the MNC is also present in several events in the leather footwear sector: exhibitions, lectures and workshops.

EXHIBITION “A CENTURY OF FASHION” - MMX MARATHON - ABICALÇADOS

Now imagine a timeline. This is how the Exhibition Um Século de Moda brings the entire historical context of footwear, with pieces ranging from 1909 to 2009.

Commemorative Exhibition 50 Years Aspeur and 20 Years National Footwear Museum

The Legacy and Memories exhibition, celebrating 20 years of the MNC and 50 years of Aspeur, sponsor of Feevale and MNC, paid tribute to the three musketeers of footwear: Ruy Chaves, José Maria Carrasco Menna, and Carlos Gilberto Simon. They are notable personalities in the leather-footwear sector, having great weight in the history of the development of Vale do Sinos.

Zuzu Angel Centenary Exhibition

Marking the return of post-pandemic exhibitions, the show honored one of the most important designers in Brazil. Zuleika Angel Jones, known as Zuzu Angel, was born in Minas Gerais, in 1921, and projected herself internationally, showing, in her collections, the national riches.

Launch of the book “Aos seu Pés - Percorrendo a História do Calçado” and the new MNC website

On November 29, 2022, the book “Aos seu Pés - Percorrendo a História do Calçado” and the new MNC website are launched.

MNC turns 25!

In 2023 we are celebrating our 25th anniversary!

MNC holds its first Collab with exhibitions at the Hotel Swan Novo Hamburgo

MNC is pleased to announce an innovative partnership with the newly renovated Hotel Swan Novo Hamburgo. This collaboration celebrates the significant economic and cultural influence of the footwear sector in our city and region. The theme of the hotel's new design is inspired by the world of footwear, reflecting the creative spirit and historical importance of this sector for Novo Hamburgo. Together, MNC and Hotel Swan NH are committed to offering a unique experience to visitors and guests, honoring and valuing the local footwear tradition.

On October 20, 1998, the mayor of Novo Hamburgo, José Airton dos Santos, announced the creation of the National Footwear Museum. The objective was to rescue the historical memory of the leather-footwear activity, in recognition of those who make Novo Hamburgo the largest national hub in this segment.

The document can be consulted at the link below.

The MNC is a Civil Society Organization of Public Interest (OSCIP), and has a regulation, which brings a set of rules  about its functioning.

The National Footwear Museum (MNC) association aims to:
 

I.  To promote the culture, defense and maintenance of historical and artistic heritage;

II. To preserve the memory of the productive activity of footwear, leather, accessories, machines and components in the country, mainly in the State of Rio Grande do Sul;

III. To keep a permanent exhibition, and keep the donations received in its collection;

IV. To promote exhibitions, courses, seminars, lectures, guided visits, meetings, and other related activities;

V. To host cultural activities that promote the Museum's integration with the community and its volunteer work;

VI. To develop and support art education programs aimed at the school network at all levels of education;

VII. To organize, edit and publish informative material about its activities;

VIII. To encourage and promote national and international cooperation agreements in its area;

IX. To develop research activities, studies, elaboration, collection and dissemination of data on the memory of the leather and footwear activity in the country;

X. To support the growth and improvement of cultural and research activities developed at the Museum;

XI. To work for the maintenance, expansion and improvement of the Museum's collection;

XII. To contribute to the spread of these activities, aiming at the best use of the institution by the community;

In addition to the activities mentioned before, the association may perform other actions, compatible with its objective.

The complete document of the MNC statute can be consulted in person, in space, upon request.

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2021-2023
Executive Director: Ida Helena Thon
Deputy Director: Angelo Reinheimer
Secretary: Janet Maino
Treasurer: Luis Henrique Rauber
2nd Secretary: Leonardo Trevisol Bertolucci
2nd Treasurer: Laura Carrasco

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2019-2021
Executive Director: Ida Helena Thön
Deputy Director: Angelo Reihermer
Secretary: Janet Maino
Treasurer: Marcelo Pavek Ayub
2nd Secretary: Leonardo Trevisan Bertolucci
2nd Treasurer: Laura Maximiliana dos Santos de Carrasco

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2017-2019
Executive Director: Marcia Blanco Cardoso
Deputy Director: Angelo Reihermer
Secretary: Janet Maino
Treasurer: Alexandre Zeni

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2014-2016
Executive Director: Cristina Ennes da Silva
Deputy Director: Laura Maximiliana dos Santos de Carrasco
Secretary: Angelo Reihermer
Treasurer: Alexandre Zeni

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2011-2013
Executive Director: Cristina Ennes da Silva
Deputy Director: Laura Maximiliana dos Santos de Carrasco
Secretary: Angelo Reihermer
Treasurer: Alexandre Zeni

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2010
Executive Director: Cleber Cristiano Prodanov
Deputy Director: Laura Maximiliana dos Santos de Carrasco
Secretary: Angelo Reihermer
Treasurer: Alexandre Zeni

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2008
Executive Director: Cleber Cristiano Prodanov
Deputy Director: Laura Maximiliana dos Santos de Carrasco
Secretary: Carlos Gilberto Simon
Treasurer: Angelita Renck Gerhardt

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 2006-2007
Executive Director: Cleber Cristiano Prodanov
Deputy Director: Laura Maximiliana dos Santos de Carrasco
1st Secretary: Carlos Gilberto Simon
2nd Secretary: Paulo Raul Hanauer
1st Treasurer: Angelita Renck Gerhardt
2nd Treasurer: Frederico Momberger Neto

MNC EXECUTIVE BOARD - 1998-2005
Executive Director: Cleber Cristiano Prodanov
 

We are grateful for the exclusive sponsorship of OpenField Synthetics and Fabrics, the support of Feevale University and the funding of the state law to encourage culture Pró-Cultura RS, which made it possible to publish the book “Aos Seus Pés”, held by the National Museum of Shoes and “Simples Assim” producers.

Teaching Activities

Administered by Feevale University and supported by business entities, the MNC enables several teaching activities, being a cultural, educational and research agent aimed at the productive sector, the material culture and the community.

Students from elementary school to doctoral level can visit the space and participate in projects through the exhibitions, guided tours, research, photo making, documentaries, contests, lectures and itinerant exhibitions, activities that make the MNC a dynamic and interactive space.

Come and visit us

Publications

The National Shoe Museum and the Feevale School of application as learning spaces.

The National Shoe Museum and the Feevale School of application as learning spaces.

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The museum as a space of inclusion: the National footwear Museum-MNC and the colored Minds project.

The museum as a space of inclusion: the National footwear Museum-MNC and the colored Minds project.

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Accessible exhibition: the importance of design in educational project of the National Museum of footwear.

Accessible exhibition: the importance of design in educational project of the National Museum of footwear.

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Memory of the Leather-Footwear Sector: Pioneers and Entrepreneurs of Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Memory of the Leather-Footwear Sector: Pioneers and Entrepreneurs of Vale do Rio dos Sinos 

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National Museum of shoes: history and culture of the leather-footwear sector in Novo Hamburgo.

National Museum of shoes: history and culture of the leather-footwear sector in Novo Hamburgo.

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News

National Footwear Museum welcomes representatives from BNI Europa
News 14.03.2024

National Footwear Museum welcomes representatives from BNI Europa

Portuguese visitors came to Brazil to participate in the 47th Fimec

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National Footwear Museum is part of the Fimec Cultural itinerary
News 11.03.2024

National Footwear Museum is part of the Fimec Cultural itinerary

Programming offers daily attractions for visitors to the fair, which starts this Tuesday, 12

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New exhibition at the National Footwear Museum pays homage to the Paris Olympic Games
News 07.03.2024

New exhibition at the National Footwear Museum pays homage to the Paris Olympic Games

The exhibition, which is now open for visitors, features items representing countries from five continents, especially the country hosting the sporting event.

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Museu Nacional do Calçado completa 25 anos de preservação da memória do setor coureiro-calçadista
News 19.10.2023

Museu Nacional do Calçado completa 25 anos de preservação da memória do setor coureiro-calçadista

Localizado no Câmpus I da Universidade Feevale, espaço possui um acervo de mais de 45 mil peças que conservam a história do produto e da comunidade

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Contact

To send a message, fill out the form below or if you wish send an email to: mnc@feevale.br.
We will return as soon as possible.

+55 (51) 3584-7101

The production of this site was made possible with funding from PRÓ-CULTURA
Government of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, law 13.490/2010

Administered by Feevale University