CCBB RJ - Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre
Much To See and Do at Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro
Even if you do not speak Portuguese you are right in thinking that 'banco' means 'bank'. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil Rio de Janeiro is translated into English as 'Bank of Brazil Cultural Center' and, although it is not a bank now but in fact a natural history and art museum, the reason for the name is that it once was a bank.
The building, which was the design of Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva, has been done in an art-deco style and is the largest of the CCBB institutions. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil started in 1986 but officially opened its doors at the current location in 1989. The former bank has been immaculately restored to its original glory giving you a real appreciation of the beautiful architecture. It has made it into the ranks of the top one hundred art museums in the world based on the number of visitors.
Inside the building you will find multiple art galleries, three theatres, a cinema, a library, a book store, coffee shops and a restaurant. Due to the fact that this was previously a bank the building has ample space to accommodate all of the exhibitions and cultural activities that take place inside. It is in fact the largest of the three CCBB institutions, the other two are the branches in Brasilia and São Paulo, the smallest of the two being the branch in Brasilia.
The changing exhibitions are done in a variety of themes which could include the use of paintings, video footage and actors to play out certain parts. This makes each exhibition interesting and unique. Even if you have already been there before, you will always find something new.
Entry into the art museum is free and this is truly a gift as you get to see some fine art pieces and really get a sense of Rio's history. You will also find that fees for other shows or exhibitions are really well priced.
Located in Rue Primeiro De Marco 66, which used to be the old financial district of Rio de Janeiro, the museum is in the centre of down town Rio so it is easy to get to. Over the weekends however, when the streets are quieter, taking a taxi as a safety precaution is recommended as deserted streets can put one at unnecessary risk.
All in all, it's a wonderful way to experience some more of Brazil's historic culture.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Entry is free, however there are fees for some of the shows and exhibitions.Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Address: R. Primeiro de Março, 66 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20010-000, Brazil
Phone: (21) 3808-2020
Official Website: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Reviews
Rated out of 5
Last day in Brazil, we were drenched in water but committed on exploring Rio, totally recommend this place if you wanna get mixed with the locals, it’s free entry and good place to take photos.
Tatis G - 4 months ago
We visited the Inca exhibition.
Lift to the floor was original and interesting. It was manually operated.
Also a floor devoted to currency
Alka Sachdeva - 5 months ago
Nice architecture just not much to do to be honest. Luckily it is surrounded by other tourist sites.
There is a small gift shop with mostly books and toys inside. There is also a lounge area, restaurant, and cafe. I believe they also have theater shows or at least they advertise for them. There isn't much other than that.
Leonard - 6 months ago
So impressed by the Centro Cultural!
This beautiful center is free entry, and everyone should see it!
I went today and found out Walter Firmo’s exposition, and it was highly impressing, and the way it was curated, gorgeous.
The ladies from the elevators were super nice.
I would come back!
Astrid Espinola - a year ago
Fantastic place, really gorgeous architecture and the interior. The elevator is the best. When I went there I visited the Ancient Peru exposition with the original Inca gold pieces. It was incredible and absolutely for free.
Lina - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 -Orange | Uruguaiana | 6 Minutes |
How to get to Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB by Metro
Exit Metro Line 1 at Uruguaniana Station and walk straight east along Av. Presidente Vargas past Candelária Church. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is just past the church on your right.
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Accommodations near Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB:
Photo Gallery
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Inside the Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre in Rio de Janeiro cc licensed photo by Rodrigo Soldon -
Looking up at the centre dome in the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil cc licensed photo by Leandro Ciuffo -
Exhibition of Cai Guo-Qiang at the CCBB cc licensed photo by Glovebr2008 -
Photo Credit: CesarCardoso - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MarViniz - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: MarViniz - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: regislop - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lua Pramos - cc license via Flickr
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