Rio de Janeiro's birthday: discover 5 architectural works of the city

On March 1, 1565, one of the most beautiful, touristy and important cities on the planet was founded: Rio de Janeiro . From being the capital of Brazil — for two centuries — to one of the most desired destinations for travelers, the marvelous city is celebrating 459 years filled with history, architecture and lots of nature. Of course, like any other historic city, Rio de Janeiro is marked by stunning architectural works by great names. That's why we've listed 5 unmissable projects that all architecture lovers should see in the marvelous city!

1. Museum of Tomorrow, by Santiago Calatrava

(Divulgação/CASACOR)

Inspired by Rio de Janeiro culture, the Museum of Tomorrow , designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava , explores the relationship between the city and the natural environment through its architecture. Opened in 2015, the museum features 5,000 m² of temporary and permanent exhibition space, as well as a 7,600 m² plaza that surrounds the structure and extends along the pier.

2. City of Arts, by Christian de Portzamparc

City of the Arts, by Christian de Portzamparc

(Nelson Kon/CASACOR)

Between the sea and the mountains is where the City of Arts is located, designed by Christian de Portzamparc . The space is seen as a large house, a balcony over the city, a tribute to an archetype of Brazilian architecture.

3. Eduardo Guinle Park, by Lucio Costa

Eduardo Guinle Park , also known as just Guinle Park, was originally conceived in the 1920s as the gardens of a neoclassical mansion . In 1940, the park was transferred to the federal government and, in 1943, was the subject of an urbanization plan developed by Lucio Costa , then director of the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Service - SPHAN, who proposed this new project!

4. MAR – Rio Art Museum, by Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura

(Leonardo Finotti/CASACOR)

Opened in 2013, the Rio Art Museum (MAR) brings together several layers of the city of Rio de Janeiro: history, social aspects, conflicts, symbols, challenges and expectations. Designed by Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura , the museum is located in Praça Mauá in two buildings with different profiles, but connected by a bridge over a slab supported by pilotis: the Dom João VI mansion, which houses the exhibition rooms; and the neighboring building, in modernist style – originally a bus terminal –, which belongs to the Escola do Olhar.

5. Royal Portuguese Reading Room of Rio de Janeiro, by Rafael da Silva e Castra

One of the oldest and most famous libraries in Latin America, the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura was founded in 1837 by a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants who were political refugees to promote culture in the then capital of the empire. The building is located on Rua Luíz de Camões , in the center of the capital of Rio de Janeiro, and was designed in the neo-Manueline style by the Portuguese architect Rafael da Silva e Castro .

1. Museum of Tomorrow, by Santiago Calatrava

2. City of Arts, by Christian de Portzamparc

3. Eduardo Guinle Park, by Lucio Costa

4. MAR – Rio Art Museum, by Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura

5. Royal Portuguese Reading Room of Rio de Janeiro, by Rafael da Silva e Castra

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