Cidade das Artes

Rio de Janeiro


Barra's grandest arts complex is an R$500-million venture that houses an 1800-seat concert hall, as well as theaters, a chamber music hall, a cinema and a restaurant. It's home to the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, and features a wide-ranging repertoire, including contemporary dance, puppet shows, jazz, musicals, choral recitals and experimental ensembles.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rio de Janeiro attractions

1. Bosque da Barra

0.42 MILES

Covering 50 hectares of salt-marsh vegetation, this park is a refuge and breeding area for many small birds and animals, and you might spy capybaras,…

2. Praia da Barra da Tijuca

1.85 MILES

The best thing about Barra is the beach. It stretches for 18km, with the blue sea lapping at the shore. The first few kilometers of its eastern end are…

3. Parque Olímpico

2.23 MILES

This was the epicenter of the 2016 Summer Olympics and the Paralympic Games. Sadly, the facilities now sit largely abandoned and are not open to the…

4. Parque Natural Municipal de Marapendi

5.5 MILES

Near Barra da Tijuca's coastal strip, this155-hectare biological reserve has photogenic views over the Marapendi lagoon dotted with mangroves, towering…

5. Parque Ecológico Chico Mendes

6.92 MILES

This 40-hectare park was created in 1989 and named after the Brazilian ecological activist who was murdered for his work. The park protects the remaining…

6. Casa do Pontal

7.84 MILES

Owned by French designer Jacques Van de Beuque, this impressive museum containing some 4500 pieces has one of the best folk-art collections in Brazil. The…

7. Parque da Cidade

7.92 MILES

On the outer reaches of Gávea, this lush park of native Mata Atlântica rainforest and replanted secondary forest provides a refreshing escape from the…

8. Instituto Moreira Salles

8.31 MILES

This beautiful cultural center hosts impressive exhibitions, often showcasing the works of some of Brazil's best photographers and artists. The gardens,…