Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil

Frommer's Review

It's worth stepping inside this gorgeous neoclassical building just to gaze up at the soaring domed atrium. Once the HQ of Brazil's national bank, the building was converted in 1989 into one of the city's premier cultural spaces. Inside (in lovely, cool air-conditioning) there's a pleasant cafe on the mezzanine that serves a wonderful afternoon tea (Tues-Sun 3-8pm; R$28/US$12), a small bookstore on the ground floor with an excellent selection of art and architecture books (many in English), several small galleries on higher floors that feature changing exhibits on art and culture, and three theaters. For coin freaks there's also a small permanent exhibit on Brazilian coinage through the centuries. Allow 30 minutes.

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