On Friday, 1st October, we will have a guided tour of the following buildings:

Itamaraty Palace
The Itamaraty Palace (1851) is a spectacular building that worked as the seat of government from 1889 to 1898. It then became headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1899 to 1970. The Palace now houses the Museum of History and Diplomacy, the Historical Archives and an impressive Map Collection. There is a United Nations reference library too.

Catete Palace
The Catete Palace (1867) was the seat of government between 1897 to 1960, before the capital transferred to Brasilia. The Palace saw the declarations of war on Germany in 1917 and on the Axis in 1942, and Getulio Vargas's suicide in 1954. Today it houses the Museum of the Republic.

Cinelândia

Cinelândia is the popular name of the region around the Praça Floriano in downtown Rio. You will see and visit the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the Pedro Ernesto Palace (now housing the Legislative Assembly). Near the square are the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Brazilian Academy of Letters, Caixa Cultural Centre, and the Portuguese Reading Cabinet.

Municipal Theatre

The Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro was inspired by the Paris Opera House and opened in 1909. The theater has just reopened after major renovation works. You will be taken for a tour of the theatre.

Confeitaria Colombo

Our tour ends at Confeitaria Colombo, one of the most traditional coffee shops in Brazil, famous for its excellent pastries and sweets. The building is from the late 1890’s.