If you have a passion for art and architecture head for downtown Rio. The best time to walk around is between April and November, before it gets too hot. You can started at Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (they usually have superb exhibitions there) and just walk to Paço Imperial, stopping along the way at Casa França Brasil and Espaço Cultural dos Correios. There are wonderful restaurants in the area, including the one at Casa França Brasil, the Bistrô Rosário, and Cais do Oriente, to name just a few. When the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes reopens after extensive renovations, it should become another top destination for art lovers. The gorgeous Museu Histórico Nacional and the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) with its Burle Marx gardens are not too far apart and can be probably combined in one day.
Here are some photos I've taken over the years. Enjoy and keep coming for more; we have every intention of going back many, many times!
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Casa França-Brasil Espaço Cultural dos Correios Paço Imperial Paço Imperial Paço Imperial Paço Imperial Paço Imperial Museu Nacional de Belas Artes Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional Museu Histórico Nacional MAM Rio
