Parque das Ruínas: A Glimpse into Rio's Belle Époque

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Explore the ruins of a Belle Époque mansion with art, culture, and panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro from Santa Teresa.

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Parque das Ruínas

Parque das Ruínas, nestled in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, offers a unique blend of history, art, and panoramic views. Built around the ruins of a mansion that once belonged to Laurinda Santos Lobo, a prominent figure of Rio's Belle Époque, this park is now a cultural center hosting art exhibitions, live music, and theater performances.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parque das Ruínas.

Visit on weekends for special children's programming and a great breakfast at the local coffee shop.
Check the cultural center's Facebook page for the latest schedule of events, including dance, theater, and music performances.
Take advantage of the panoramic viewpoint at the top of the ruins for stunning sunset views of Rio, including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Chácara do Céu Museum for a full day of art and culture in Santa Teresa.

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Getting There

Walking

From Largo dos Guimarães, the central square in Santa Teresa, walk northeast on Rua Almirante Alexandrino, then turn right onto Rua Murtinho Nobre. The entrance to Parque das Ruínas will be on your left. The walk is short but uphill.
Public Transport

Take the Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde de Santa Teresa) from the Centro (Downtown) of Rio de Janeiro, at the Bonde Station near Carioca Station. Get off at the Curvelo stop, which is near Parque das Ruínas. From there, walk a short distance uphill to Rua Murtinho Nobre, 169. Tram fare is R$20 per person.
Taxi/Ride-share

From most locations in central Rio, a taxi or ride-share to Parque das Ruínas is readily available. Simply provide the destination address: Rua Murtinho Nobre, 169, Santa Teresa. A typical ride from Copacabana to Santa Teresa costs approximately R$34-35. From Santos Dumont Airport to Santa Teresa is about R$40. Be aware that traffic can affect the final fare.

Discover more about Parque das Ruínas

Parque das Ruínas, officially known as Centro Cultural Municipal Parque Glória Maria, is a captivating public park and cultural center located in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro. The park's origins trace back to the Palacete Murtinho Nobre, a mansion constructed between 1898 and 1902. It was the residence of Laurinda Santos Lobo, a socialite and patron of the arts, who played a significant role in Rio's cultural scene during the early 20th century. Laurinda, known as the "marechala da elegância" (marshal of elegance), hosted intellectuals, artists, and celebrities at her mansion, making it a hub for modernism in Rio de Janeiro. Notable figures such as composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, painter Tarsila do Amaral, writer Anatole France, and dancer Isadora Duncan frequented her gatherings. Villa-Lobos even composed a piece in her honor. After Laurinda's death in 1946, the mansion was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In 1993, the state government of Rio de Janeiro acquired the site and organized an architectural contest to transform it into a cultural center. The winning project, designed by architects Ernani Freire and Sonia Lopes, preserved the structure of the ruins while adding a contemporary look with metal and glass structures. The Parque das Ruínas was inaugurated in 1997. Today, Parque das Ruínas offers visitors a unique experience. The park features an art gallery, auditorium, stage, and café-bar. Its cultural program includes dance, poetry, theater, music, and art exhibitions, with a focus on children's programming on weekends. The park also provides a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, with Guanabara Bay on one side and the city center on the other.