By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Saturday, September 1st, Fábrica Bhering, in Rio’s Santo Cristo, will be hosting its monthly Circuito Interno, where it opens its doors to the public for free, giving access to its various galleries, workshops, studios, eateries and breweries, and allowing people to meet the producers and buy directly from them. There will also be live jazz on the rooftop to accompany the sunset at around 6PM.
Those who come to Fábrica Bhering on Saturday will have the opportunity to explore the 10,000 square meters of this historic building, originally a chocolate factory from the thirties, steeped in history and character.
Over 32 independent studios, shops and workshops will be opening their doors on Saturday. There will also be a food and drink court out on the ground floor courtyard, including the Cevaderia, Bhering’s very own artesanal brewer, as well as a vegan café, gourmet burgers, crepes and much more.
Through the corridors of the factory are located many surprising and interesting spaces. On the second floor there is the ‘Casa Botânica’ (Botanical House) which sells decorative objects, plants and flowers; also on the second floor is located the popular Gabo Café, which serves vegetarian and vegan snacks and coffee; and there’s Medusa Urbana, a ‘creative wine cellar.’
On the third floor, people can find the Trapiche Carioca vintage furniture store and the ‘Livraria da Fábrica’ (Factory Bookshop) which sells a wide range of antique, second-hand and new books in both Portuguese, English and other languages. They also have a burgeoning children’s area.
The fourth and fifth floors are home to many artists’ workshops, such as Lucio Volpini, Camila Alonso (Milalonso) and Bel Magalhães. On the terrace is a pottery workshop and also the place where Inca Jazz will be performing at 6PM as the sun sets.
“It’s a gem of a place full of interesting shops and artists’ studios. There’s nothing like it anywhere else in Rio.” Comments Kasfhi Halford, English photographer.
Felipe Varella, owner of Livraria Fabrica, adds, “I like this event because the factory is not very well visited during the week, so this our opportunity to receive people during this day.”
“We get to meet lots of people from Rio and all around the world: really nice people, lovely conversations and a nice space of exchange with people all around.” He continues.
“I really recommend Feira which is a store for the home. I recommend Tarsila which is a bag and shoe store for women. And I also recommend the ladies on the roof which produce pottery. The roof itself is a really nice place to stay too. The artesanal beer by Cevaderia is also very interesting.”
What: Circuito Interno, Fábrica Bhering
When: Saturday, September 1st, midday until 8PM
Where: Fábrica Bhering, Rua Orestes, 28, Santo Cristo
Entrance: Free