Rainy days in Rio? 8 indoor cultural venues to enjoy

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Spring days have been nothing but atypical in Rio this year. A rainy and cloudy landscape has become a rule rather than the exception in Rio de Janeiro, known for its exuberantly colorful scenery during this season. The lower-than-usual temperatures and gray skies are making Rio’s springtime unrecognizable, but this doesn’t mean Cariocas are not finding ways to cope with the weather and enjoy what indoor venues have to offer.

Thanks to lower Covid-19 infection rates in the city, the indoor arts & culture life is gradually going back to normal, as all public venues can open with full capacity since mid-October, including museums, clubs, and stadiums. If you want to make the most of Rio even on an atypical spring day, see below some of the best indoor places for culture and arts to visit on a rainy day:

1) Instituto Moreira Salles – A mansion in the middle of Rio’s Atlantic Forest where a traditional Rio family used to reside, the institute now stands out for its incredible photography collection. Entrance is free at Moreira Salles, which holds free art exhibitions and rare movies sessions for low prices.

2) Fábrica Bhering – A former coffee factory in the 1930’s Rio de Janeiro is now a visual arts hub in the Port Zone. From designers to painters, all kinds of arts can be found in Bhering’s studios – around 80. Also, make sure to try one of Bhering’s food stands and enjoy a nice sunset from the rooftop – usually eventful on weekends.

3) Jongo da Serrinha – Located in the Serrinha community, in Madureira, the house is the right address if you want to learn more about Afro-Brazilian music culture. The venue not only has a collection entirely dedicated to jongo – an Afro-Brazilian dance and music genre, considered an intangible cultural heritage of Brazil – but holds “rodas de jongo” and other Afro-Brazilian cultural events regularly.

4) Biblioteca Parque Estadual – A great place for taking kids is Biblioteca Parque Estadual, a public library in Rio’s downtown, next to the Central train station and the Presidente Vargas metrô entrance. The library is not only a pleasant indoor venue to dedicate some time to a good book, but continuously offers cultural activities.

5) Espaço Itaú de Cinema – A must-go for cinema lovers, Espaço Itaú in Botafogo displays the best of the Brazilian and international contemporary cinema. More than just a movie room, the venue has a cozy café and a library where it is easy to lose track of time – in the best sense of the expression.

6) Centro Cultural João Nogueira – This cultural center is located in Méier, a neighborhood where the honoree João Nogueira, one of Brazil’s most notable samba composers, was born. Eclectic, the venue holds music shows of all genres (from Brazilian funk to rock). Because of the Black Awareness Day (November 20), Centro João Nogueira will be promoting free classes and music performances this Saturday.

7) Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil – A favorite program among Cariocas (regardless of age or social class) is checking the latest art exhibitions at CCBB. One of the most democratic cultural venues in Rio, CCBB is located in the heart of the city center, offering a variety of activities (cinema, music, visual arts) for free or at a very affordable price. What’s more, you won’t regret trying the food at Lilia Café, the venue’s best cafeteria.

8) Sesc Tijuca – One of the biggest leisure centers in the Tijuca neighborhood is also an important cultural hub, offering an extensive line-up of theater plays and music shows at low prices. There is also a good children’s library inside the complex.