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Federal Justice Cultural Center: A Neoclassical Gem in Rio

Explore Brazilian art and history in a stunning neoclassical building in the heart of Rio de Janeiro's Centro district.

4.7

Housed in a stunning early 20th-century neoclassical building that once served as the Supreme Federal Court, the Federal Justice Cultural Center in Rio de Janeiro now hosts diverse art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. Its architecture alone is worth a visit, with towering columns and detailed interiors.

A brief summary to Federal Justice Cultural Center

  • Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Check the center's website for current exhibitions and events before visiting.
  • Visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in the Centro district, such as the Municipal Theater and the National Library.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the center's diverse cultural offerings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Municipal Theater (Teatro Municipal), head east on Av. Rio Branco. Continue walking straight for about 10 minutes; the Federal Justice Cultural Center will be on your left at Av. Rio Branco, 241. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Copacabana, take the Line 1 (Orange Line) of the Metro towards Uruguai and alight at the Cinelândia station. From the station, walk towards Av. Rio Branco; the Federal Justice Cultural Center is at Av. Rio Branco, 241. A one-way metro ticket costs R$7.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Rio de Janeiro. A short taxi ride from nearby attractions in the Centro district should cost approximately R$15-R$25, depending on traffic and distance. Note that fares may be higher at night and on Sundays.

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Discover more about Federal Justice Cultural Center

The Federal Justice Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Justiça Federal) is located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, within a stately building that reflects Brazil's rich history and architectural grandeur. Originally constructed between 1905 and 1909 to house the Supreme Federal Court, the building itself is a significant example of eclectic Brazilian architecture, designed by Adolpho Morales de Los Rios. With the transfer of the capital to Brasília in 1960, the building transitioned to other judicial functions before being meticulously restored and reopened as a cultural center in 2001. Today, it stands as a vibrant space for artistic expression, hosting a wide array of exhibitions, theater performances, music concerts, and educational programs. The center features a permanent exhibition on the Brazilian judicial system, alongside temporary exhibits by artists from around the world. The architecture blends historical and modern design elements, offering a stunning backdrop to the art on display. Visitors can explore the intricate details of the building, including its towering columns, elaborate interiors, and the original session room of the Supreme Court, which retains its original floors and furniture from 1920. The walls are adorned with portraits of jurists from various periods of Brazilian history. The center also includes a multifunctional auditorium optimized for concerts and plays, a library specializing in art and culture, and spaces for workshops and seminars. The Cultural Center of the Federal Justice is a known space for incentivizing and ensuring access of the population to many ways of cultural expression, hosting expositions, dance and music shows, courses, seminars, lectures and others.

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