Rio de Janeiro is best known for its spectacular setting, glorious beaches like Ipanema and Copacabana, the Sugarloaf Mountain, the iconic Christ Statue and the samba. However, as you explore the city, one other thing will certainly grab your attention: the city’s stunning street art. I didn’t see much of it during my first trip to Rio in the 1990’s. On subsequent trips, I noticed the proliferation of increasingly elaborate designs coupled with vibrant colours in various neighbourhoods. These days, street art in Rio de Janeiro has been elevated to a true art form.
In fact, the Mayor recently legalised graffiti and government institutions have started to finance street art projects which bring groups of artists together. Some street artists even exhibit their artwork in galleries and their work is featured on clothing, accessories and wallpaper (check out HomeGrown in Ipanema). Every year in September, the Art Rua Festival sees graffiti artists from around the world converge upon Rio to showcase their artistic talents.
Where to find street art in Rio de Janeiro
Extensive murals and individual pieces can be found throughout the city but some of the best places are in the Lapa (around the famous Selarón Steps and the viaduct) and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods, Cinelândia (city centre) and bordering the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens).
Read other Velvet Escape posts on street art:
Nostalgic street art in George Town, Malaysia
Street art in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast
Street art in Montpellier, France
Olympic Boulevard
One of the most striking pieces was commissioned specially for the Rio Olympics 2016. The mural along the Olympic Boulevard in downtown Rio de Janeiro is a sight not to be missed. At 190 meters long, this mural by Eduardo Kobra depicts five faces of indigenous people from five continents and is on record as the largest mural ever created by a single artist.
You’ll come across fabulous examples of street art as you stroll around the city but if you’re interested in being guided by locals from the Rio art scene, check out the Graffiti and Urban Art tour.
Read more about Rio de Janeiro on Velvet Escape.
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Wow. This post is amazing. I love street art. Really cool they are. It is very difficult to see these kind of quality graffities in my city. Thank you for sharing with us.
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Thank you for this great post, it’s been really useful for us (especially the locations!). We’ve been writing posts about street art from different cities all over the world. We’re gonna use this post as a guide for our trip to Rio for sure 🙂
Greetings from Istanbul!
Oyku&İdil
so cool! especially like the city train/ tranvia 🙂
Hi Kami, Lapa and Santa Teresa were my favourites too!
Cheers,
Keith
I loved street art in Rio! So many great pieces all over the city but Lapa and Santa Teresa were the best!
Very cool. Love the art.
Thanks Gustavo! Very cool art indeed! 🙂
Nice pictures, really cool street art!!
Hi Tina,
They’re really cool and there’s lots more in other parts of the city.
Cheers,
Keith
Those street art are really amazing…