Parque das Ruínas: A Bohemian Rhapsody in Ruins

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Explore the ruins of a bygone era with panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, where history and art converge in Santa Teresa's heart.

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Parque das Ruínas

Perched atop the Santa Teresa neighborhood, Parque das Ruínas offers a unique blend of history, art, and panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Built around the ruins of a grand mansion, this cultural center hosts art exhibitions, live music, and theatrical performances, making it a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists.

A brief summary to Parque das Ruínas

R. Murtinho Nobre, 169, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-050, BR

Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

Visit during sunset for the most stunning views of Rio de Janeiro from the park's viewpoint.
Check the park's Facebook page for the latest schedule of cultural events, including live music and art exhibitions.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Selarón Steps and the Chácara do Céu Museum for a full day of exploring Santa Teresa's artistic charm.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Mirante do Curvelo

Mirante do Curvelo: Santa Teresa's Scenic Vista

Boate Boas intenções - Lapa

Boate Boas Intenções: Lapa's Lively Nightclub

Lapa Irish Pub

Lapa Irish Pub: A Taste of Ireland in Rio

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Santa Teresa, Parque das Ruínas is easily accessible by foot. Head northeast on Rua Almirante Alexandrino, then turn left onto Rua Murtinho Nobre. The park will be on your right. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. There is no cost associated with walking.
Public Transport

From Cinelândia or Carioca metro stations in downtown Rio, take the VLT (light rail) to the Largo da Carioca station. From there, transfer to the Santa Teresa Tram (bondinho). Get off at the Curvelo stop, which is a short, uphill walk to Parque das Ruínas. A RioCard Mais is recommended for easy payment on both the VLT and the tram. The VLT costs R$3.80, the Santa Teresa Tram costs R$4.30. The RioCard Mais costs R$4.50, and requires a top-up of at least R$5.00.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Rio de Janeiro. From most points in the city center or Zona Sul (South Zone), a taxi ride to Parque das Ruínas will typically cost between R$20 and R$40, depending on traffic and distance. Be sure the driver turns on the meter, or negotiate a fare beforehand. Uber fares may vary depending on demand. There are no parking facilities directly at Parque das Ruínas, so confirm that your taxi or ride-share can drop you off close to the entrance.

Discover more about Parque das Ruínas

Parque das Ruínas, officially known as the Centro Cultural Municipal Parque Glória Maria, is more than just a park; it's a journey through time and art. Located in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, this unique space is built around the remnants of what was once a grand mansion, the Palacete Murtinho Nobre. In the early 20th century, the mansion belonged to Laurinda Santos Lobo, a prominent socialite and patron of the arts. Known as the "marechala da elegância" (marshal of elegance), Laurinda hosted intellectuals, artists, and musicians, turning her home into a vibrant meeting point for Rio's cultural elite. Figures like composer Heitor Villa-Lobos and painter Tarsila do Amaral frequented the mansion, making it a hub for modernism in Rio. After Laurinda's death in 1946, the mansion was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 1990s, the state government purchased the site and organized an architectural contest to transform the ruins into a public space. The winning project, by architects Ernani Freire and Sonia Lopes, preserved the original brick walls while integrating modern structures of glass and steel. Today, Parque das Ruínas offers visitors a captivating experience. You can explore the ruins, wander through the art gallery, and enjoy live performances in the outdoor theater. The park also boasts a café where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere. However, the real highlight is the panoramic viewpoint at the top of the ruins, offering breathtaking vistas of Guanabara Bay, the city center, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. The park was renamed Parque Glória Maria in 2023, in honor of the journalist who passed away that year.