20 million objects destroyed in Rio National Museum fire
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A violent fire broke out in Brazil's 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday night, local time. 20 million objects were destroyed, many of them unique.
The museum was once the home of the Portuguese royal family, and was a valuable historical building initself.
"It's a sad day for all Brazilians," wrote President Michel Temer on Twitter.
The building was the oldest scientific institution in the country, according to Reuters news agency.
Earlier this year, the building, initiated by King João VI 1818, celebrated its 200th anniversary - but now it is completely destroyed.
Inside, there were over 20 million items, including archaeological finds and other historical artifacts.
The building was severely neglected
Employees have previously expressed dissatisfaction with economic cuts and stated that parts of the building were falling apart.
The reason for the fire, which broke out after closing, is still unclear.
Brazil's president expresses his sorrow on Twitter:
"200 years of research and knowledge has disappeared," wrote Michel Temer.
