Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA) | Neuquen

The Mercado de Artesanato de Natal is a marketplace located in the city of Natal, Brazil, specifically in the Ponta Negra district.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a single-story building with a predominantly white facade. It features a red-tiled roof and numerous open-air stalls arranged in a grid pattern. The stalls are constructed from wood and metal, displaying a variety of handcrafted goods.

Location & Access Logistics

The market is situated at Avenida Engenheiro Roberto Freire, 5000, in Ponta Negra. It is approximately 12 kilometers south of Natal's city center. Access is primarily by road; private vehicles can utilize the adjacent parking lot, which has capacity for approximately 50 cars. Public transport options include the 'Ponta Negra' bus line (numbers 50, 51, and 52), which stops directly in front of the market.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Mercado de Artesanato de Natal was established in 1980 as a dedicated space to promote and sell local handicrafts. Its purpose was to centralize artisans and provide a consistent point of sale for tourists and residents. The site itself is part of the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Norte.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can purchase a wide range of local crafts, including ceramics, wood carvings, textiles, and jewelry. Haggling over prices is a common practice. The market operates as a retail space for individual artisans.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the market complex. Limited shaded areas are provided by the market's roof structure and individual stall awnings. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the market. Food vendors are not permanently located within the market, but numerous restaurants and snack bars are situated along Avenida Engenheiro Roberto Freire in close proximity.

Best Time to Visit

The market is most active during the afternoon hours, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, when most artisans are present and the heat is less intense. The months of December through February, coinciding with the summer tourist season, see the highest visitor numbers. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A common practice among artisans is the use of local materials such as coconut shells, seeds, and clay sourced from the region. Some vendors offer demonstrations of their craft upon request.

Nearby Landmarks

• Morro do Careca (0.8km West)
• Praia de Ponta Negra (0.5km West)
• Via Costeira (2.5km North)
• Parque das Dunas (3.0km Northwest)