Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR

Spread across a historic building and a modern construction, connected by a canopy roof structure, this art museum exhibits an eclectic range of Brazilian art.

The Museu de Arte do Rio, or MAR as it is also known, shines a spotlight on Rio de Janeiro’s contributions to the art world. View exhibitions of historic and contemporary artworks and marvel at the unusual “flying carpet” roof that connects the turn-of-the-century building with the more modern adjacent structure.

This museum opened in 2013 and was part of a wave of development in the city during the run-up to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. Architects Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura were tasked with its design and, taking inspiration from the shape of waves, they created a unique undulating concrete canopy to connect the disparate structures. Book a table on the terrace at the museum’s rooftop Mauá Restaurant and eat alfresco under the shelter of the canopy while admiring views over the harbor.

Explore the museum’s exhibitions, which place an emphasis on the city of Rio. Previous exhibitions have included The Colour of Brazil, which examined the use of color throughout the history of Brazilian art, and Body Discourses [the Vertigo of Rio], which featured work from the likes of Evandro Teixeira and Mario Testino.

If you need a pick-me-up after browsing all the exhibits, stop for a coffee and some Brazilian specialties at the Cristóvão Café e Bistrô. MAR is also focused on education through the museum’s Escola do Olhar school. Check ahead to see what workshops, lectures, courses and seminars are taking place during your visit.

Before leaving, browse the Novo Desenho museum store. Buy products from up-and-coming and established Brazilian designers. Much of the merchandise for sale focuses on Rio de Janeiro iconography.

Find the Museu de Arts do Rio overlooking Praça Mauá in Rio’s recently regenerated port area. To get there, take the subway to Uruguaiana Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, choose between any of the 20 bus routes that serve the area. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Those aged under 21 are entitled to half-price tickets, while all visitors go free on Tuesdays.