City&Sea

Rio exudes art and nature in every corner. Rarely will you visit a neighborhood without walking into some kind of artistic expression or natural monument offering visual delight to passers-by.  Right across from Ipanema beach, the Espaço Laura Alvim hosts a theater, a cinema and an art gallery in the same space. Whether as a fun after-beach activity or a night out at the movies, it is always a good bet.

Espaço Laura Alvim, Avenida Vieira Souto, 176 – Ipanema. Phone: +55(21) 2267-4307

Not so far from Ipanema is Gávea, a neighborhood just as nice and home of the Instituto Moreira Salles, founded by Walther Moreira Salles in 1992.  Boasting a collection of more than 400,000 photos, 100,000 musical archives, over 400,000 library pieces and 3,000 paintings, the institute is an invitation to dive into the art world.   Among the artworks are collections of important Brazilian artists such as Marc Ferrez, Marcel Gautherot, José Medeiros, José Ramos Tinhorão, Humberto Franceschi, Pixinguinha, Decio de Almeida Prado and Ana Cristina Cesar.

Instituto Moreira Salles, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 476 – Gávea. Phone: +55(21) 3284-7400

Right next to Gávea is one of the greenest neighborhoods of Rio, Jardim Botânico. There you will find the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage, one of the most important art schools in Brazil, from which several great Brazilian artists arose, including Beatriz Milhazes and Eduardo Berliner, among others. In addition to a delightful little café that is open to the public, there is always an exhibit or other exposing works from students and alumni.   Just strolling around the lush gardens of this estate and loosing yourself to the cool air trapped in the middle of dense vegetation is a treat in and of itself.  By the way, it’s also a great place for a picnic.

Parque Lage, R. Jardim Botânico, 414 – Jardim Botânico. Phone: +55(21) 3257-1800

Photo – Grupo Estação (Espaço Laura Alvim)