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
Great museum. Entrance is free of charge but a cost free ticket is still required. 1 hour time needed to view the second and fourth floors.
Ali - 2 months ago
This wasn’t on our list of places to visit but we walked up to it since Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria was already closed when we got here. Surprisingly beautiful inside and a chic place to eat, drink and spend time or meet someone. Their creative ideas are appetizing and irresistible, the place is very clean and you can use the comfort rooms if you need to.
Dan de la Cruz - a month ago
Visiting the Banco do Brazil is an institution. Always amazing exhibitions. Showcasing local artists and themes. Great 2 hours.
david mclean - 4 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 - a year ago
Great free museum with multiple exhibits. I like the history of the bank of Brazil exhibits, they had a US dollar backed by silver which is something I had never seen before in my life.
Sean Toal - 5 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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