Rio de Janeiro has much more!

Museu Casa do Pontal
This museum is considered to contain the most significant collection of popular art in the Country. Almost 8000 items, created by 200 Brazilian artists have been gathered by the French designer Jacques Van de Beuque. www.museucasadapontal.com.br

Academia Brasileira de Letras
This building, completed in 1922 is a reproduction of the Trianon de Versailles. The principal room is reserved for the ceremonial inauguration of academics, whilst the large annex room is open every Thursday for “the immortals” to meet to enjoy a traditional cup of tea! www.academia.org.br

Sitio Burle Marx 
Landscape designer / painter Burle Marx acquired the Sitio Santo Antonio da Bica in Barra de Guaratiba to place his enormous collection of plants. Here you will find tropical and sub tropical plants, and in the Museu-Casa, where Burle Marx lived and worked for twenty years, are displayed his works, art collection and artefacts. Tel.21-2410-1412.

  What wonderful Samba Music!
The poet Noel Medeiros Rosa of the 1930’s is one of Rio de Janeiro’s and their Carioca inhabitants’ most famous musicians. In the words of his songs he wrote, “gentlemen, modesty apart, I am from the Vila”. From his beloved neighbourhood, Vila Isabel, remembered in his music, he evokes the sounds of the old textile factory, and declares that “the Samba music of the district enchants the Moon to rise earlier”. He salutes the Samba Schools of Estacio, Salgueiro, Manguera, Oswaldo Cruz and Matriz. The importance and influence of his musical works has been compared favourably with effect that the 1922 Week of Modern Art had upon the Country’s literature and painting.

A terrific venue for a drink and music!
According to the Guardian newspaper, Rio Scenarium, situated in four old mansions in the old city centre, is the only Brazilian Bar to rank amongst the Best Ten in the world. Within the heart of the houses, groups like Botafogonisso, Manga de Colete and Nois Num Semo Tatu perform their repertoires of Gafieira, choros (laments), Sambas, MPB and Forró. www.rioscenarium.com.br