CentroCulturalBancodoBrasil

The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) is one of the country's leading cultural venues. Housed in a majestic building of eclectic architecture, the center is a successful example of how heritage preservation can go hand in hand with the democratization of access to contemporary art, film, and theater.

Image description: The image is a photograph of a modern building located in a city center. On the left side, there is a small building with a sloped roof and a tree in the background. In front of this building, there is a fountain with a central statue. The fountain is surrounded by a paved area. In the background, there is a large neoclassical-style building with many windows arranged in horizontal rows. To the right of the classical building, there is another modern building with a glass facade and metal structure. The sky is light blue and cloudless.

CCBB is located on Rua Primeiro de Março, formerly Rua Direita, the oldest and most important thoroughfare of Colonial Rio, connecting Morro do Castelo (the city's birthplace) to the port district. The building's surroundings are lined with landmarks such as the Igreja da Candelária and the Correios Cultural Center, forming a cultural corridor that preserves the memory of the former Federal Capital.

The building was inaugurated in 1906 to serve as the headquarters of the Rio de Janeiro Commercial Association. Designed by architect Francisco Joaquim Béthencourt da Silva, the building reflects the taste of the turn-of-the-20th-century elite for classical and monumental styles. In the 1920s, it became the headquarters of Banco do Brasil, and after an extensive restoration that preserved its magnificent dome and marble columns, it was transformed into a cultural center on October 12, 1989.

Image description: This is a colorful painting depicting a festive scene with architectural elements and human figures. On the left side, we see houses with red roofs and blue windows. In the center, there is a yellow pyramidal structure with red and green details. On the right, there is a building with a green roof and hanging flags. People dressed in vibrant colors are distributed throughout the scene, some dancing and others talking. The landscape in the background features green mountains and a clear sky.

With 19,000 m² of area, CCBB offers a diverse program that spans all forms of expression. Over the decades, it has hosted iconic exhibitions by artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Picasso, and Basquiat, as well as popular shows like "Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum." Its theaters and cinemas are a reference point in the city, presenting everything from classics of world drama to independent film festivals.

Image description: The image shows two posters for cultural events. On the left is a black-and-white poster featuring a woman in profile, with emphasis on her face and hair. On the right is a poster with large, loose-styled black-and-white lettering on a black background. Both posters contain information about the dates and venues of the performances.

Besides the temporary exhibits, the building houses the Museu Banco do Brasil, with permanent exhibitions on the history of currency, rare banknotes, and objects that tell the story of the country's financial and banking system's evolution. To round out the experience, visitors can enjoy a branch of the traditional Confeitaria Colombo, combining artistic appreciation with a taste of Rio's historic flavors.

Image description: This is a photograph of an architectural interior, showing a dome with a circular opening in the ceiling. The dome is covered by a metal structure with decorative elements arranged symmetrically around it. The center of the dome is illuminated by natural light entering through translucent glass panels. The walls surrounding the dome are white and feature regular ornamental details. In the lower part of the image, we see windows and frames that complement the decoration of the space.

Useful Information

Address: Rua Primeiro de Março, 66 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ (Near the Igreja da Candelária and the Uruguaiana subway station).

Official Website: https://ccbb.com.br/

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.

Access Conditions: Admission: Free for the exhibitions (requires obtaining a ticket online or at the physical box office for flow control). Theater and Cinema: Tickets for theater performances and film screenings have affordable prices (check the current schedule on the website).

Accessibility: The building is fully accessible, featuring elevators to all floors, ramps at the entrance, and adapted restrooms.

Tip: Advance booking through the website/app is recommended to guarantee entry to large-scale exhibitions.