Lisa Wiltse
By Alexandra de Vries
Rio's a great place for architecture buffs, and an even better place to watch what happens when overconfident urban designers set their hands to the task of urban renewal. These five sights have managed to weather the worst of urban planning as landmarks to great design both outside and in. Note that the best time to visit these sights is during business hours, on weekdays.
Photo Caption: Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro.
This former bank now houses the most comprehensive cultural center in the city. Temporary exhibits showcase national and international contemporary artists, and the program includes music, film, dance, and theater. Film buffs can choose from more than 4,000 titles, including Brazilian contemporary cinema, and reserve a private viewing booth (up to 3 people).
Details: Rua Primeiro de Março 66, Centro.tel. 021/3808-2020; https://culturabancodobrasil.com.br/portal/rio-de-janeiro/. Most events are free or $10. Monday and Wednesday-Sunday 9am-9pm. Metrô: Uruguaiana.
Photo Caption: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro.
Inaugurated in 1976, the city's bold and unusual cathedral is inspired by Mayan pyramids. It has a conical concrete structure that creates a soaring, spacious interior. The absence of the usual religious ornaments magnifies the impact of the simple cross "floating" on two cables above a plain altar. Natural light pours in through four towering stained-glass windows, placed at each of the cardinal points. The Museum of Sacred Art in the basement displays religious artifacts, including wooden and ivory sculptures, paintings, oratories, and silver finery. Note: If you opt to walk here from the Centro Municipal, do so via the Avenida Chile (starting at the Largo da Carioca), which is the busiest, safest route.
Details: Av. República do Chile 245, Centro. tel. 021/2240-2669; www.catedral.com.br. Free admission. Daily 7am-6pm. Museum of Sacred Art: Wed 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-12pm. Metrô: Carioca.
Photo Caption: The interior of the Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao in Rio de Janeiro.
Architecture fans come from far and wide to worship at Brazil's temple of modern architecture, designed by Lucio Costa, Oscar Niemeyer, Affonso Reidy, and others, assisted by Le Corbusier. Now more than 60 years old, the 16-story concrete structure still has a contemporary feel. Its functionalist straight lines are balanced by slender pilings that lift the building off the ground, creating a spacious plaza, decorated with Portinari tile panels. Visitors may access only the art gallery and theater on the first floor and an exhibit on the history of the building on the second floor.
Details: Rua da Imprensa 16, Centro.tel. 021/ 2220-1490. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Free admission. Metrô: Cinelândia.
Photo Caption: Palacio de Capanema in Rio de Janeiro.
Rio's a great place for architecture buffs, and an even better place to watch what happens when overconfident urban designers set their hands to the task of urban renewal. These five sights have managed to weather the worst of urban planning as landmarks to great design both outside and in. Note that the best time to visit these sights is during business hours, on weekdays.
Photo Caption: Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro.
Details: Rua Primeiro de Março 66, Centro.tel. 021/3808-2020; https://culturabancodobrasil.com.br/portal/rio-de-janeiro/. Most events are free or $10. Monday and Wednesday-Sunday 9am-9pm. Metrô: Uruguaiana.
Photo Caption: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in Rio de Janeiro.
Details: Av. República do Chile 245, Centro. tel. 021/2240-2669; www.catedral.com.br. Free admission. Daily 7am-6pm. Museum of Sacred Art: Wed 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-12pm. Metrô: Carioca.
Photo Caption: The interior of the Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao in Rio de Janeiro.
Details: Rua da Imprensa 16, Centro.tel. 021/ 2220-1490. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Free admission. Metrô: Cinelândia.
Photo Caption: Palacio de Capanema in Rio de Janeiro.