Brazil's National Historical Museum ready to welcome visitors during G20 Summit

Brazil's National Historical Museum, a popular cultural attraction in Rio de Janeiro, is fully prepared to welcome visitors from around the world during the G20 Summit.

The 19th G20 Summit is scheduled to be held in Brazil's second-largest city Rio from Nov 18 to 19. With the leaders of the 19 member countries, plus the African Union and the European Union in attendance, the city now is the center of global attention.

To enhance the touring experience for international visitors, the museum has prepared bilingual exhibitions and reception services, and offers free admission to all.

"We prepared ourselves to receive people from all over the world. We hired bilingual receptionists, and our exhibition is mainly bilingual as well. We are not charging fee to the entrance of the museum, so most people can come here," said Pedro Heringer, the museum's curator.

Established in 1922, the castle-like museum holds more than 287,000 items from different historical periods in Brazil, featuring artifacts from the Portuguese royal family that once lived in Rio during the colonial period.

"Mostly about colonial Brazil and the Brazilian empire, before we became a republic. I think it's a very good place for foreigners to come," said Andre, a Brazilian visitor.

Oil prices climbed on Friday.

The West Texas Intermediate for May delivery gained 5.16 U.S. dollars, or 5.46 percent, to settle at 99.64 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude for May delivery increased by 4.56 dollars, or 4.22 percent, to settle at 112.57 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.