Rio de Janeiro Culture
Culture in Rio de Janeiro is everywhere, from street musicians to museum masterpieces. Some specific aspects of Rio’s culture are listed here, but the real Rio culture is Rio itself!
Rio de Janeiro — Art
Rio boasts a wealth of world-class museums, from the Museu Histórico Nacional to the Museu de Arte Moderna. For more specialized aspects of Rio de Janiero culture, start with the Museu da Imagem e do Som where you’ll find photos, recordings, and a small cinema where you can view vintage films. The Espaço Cultural da Marinha has exhibits of underwater archaeology and a World War II submarine; the Museu Villa-Lobos is dedicated to the celebrated composer; and the Museu do Índio explores the art of indigenous peoples. But to experience much of the art culture in Rio, simply look around the city. Take a stroll and take in the architecture or see the grand sculptures and mausoleums at the O Cemitério São João Batista.
Rio de Janeiro — Music
From the bossa nova to the samba, haunting forró melodies and inventive street rhythms, music culture in Rio defies easy classification, but it’s easy to love, and you’ll find it everywhere. For samba, try the Clube dos Democráticos or Scenarium Club. Catch a live show and some forró dancing at the Parque dos Patins or one of the free concerts at the Parque Garota de Ipanema. If disco is more your style, check Programa to find out what’s hot; for ballet, opera and classical music, the Teatro Municipal or Sala Cecília Mierelles may be your best bets.
Rio de Janeiro — Sports
When you think of Rio culture, don’t limit your thinking to traditional arts. Any exploration of the culture of Rio de Janiero has to include football (soccer). For while Rio has all kinds of sports, football is king. And the crown jewel of the football kingdom is the Maracanã Stadium. This is where Pelé scored his 1,000th goal — his footprints and those of other football greats are in the concrete outside the stadium — and it’s where the pride and the passion are played out with every game. Go if you can get a ticket, but choose your colors wisely (or, to be on the safe side, wear something neutral) and be ready to experience football as never before, where watching the spectators is as exhilarating as watching the game.
Read on the next page: Rio de Janeiro Religion »
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