Cidade das Artes

Cidade das Artes Bibi Ferreira (City of the Arts) is a cultural complex in the heart of Barra da Tijuca, in the West Zone. It has one of the largest concert halls in Latin America, with up to 1,222 seats for symphony orchestra and opera, according to Wikipedia.

The architecture

The design is by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, presented in 2002. The complex covers about 95,000 square meters, with large concrete slabs suspended above the ground. The project, originally called Cidade da Música (City of Music), was inaugurated unfinished in 2008 and only officially opened on May 16, 2013, under its current name, after much controversy over costs and deadlines, according to Wikipedia.

The halls

According to Wikipedia, the complex has:

• Grande Sala: up to 1,222 seats, for concerts and opera.
• Chamber Theater: 437 seats.
• Electroacoustic Hall: 100 seats.

There are also rehearsal rooms, galleries and classrooms. The terrace offers a panoramic view of Barra and the Jacarepaguá lowlands.

Getting there

Cidade das Artes is at Trevo das Palmeiras, in Barra da Tijuca, and has an underground pedestrian link to the BRT’s Terminal Alvorada, according to Wikipedia. See how to get to Barra in getting around Rio.

Combine with

Barra da Tijuca Beach and, further on, Prainha and Grumari are in the same area. For more cultural outings, see Rio museums.