Taking a stroll through the center of Rio de Janeiro is like stepping back in time, as the area is home to many historic buildings and palaces. palaces. One of them is the former Convento do Carmo, which was once the home of the Queen of Portugal and has become an important cultural center with exhibitions, a library and a bistro. The best part: the visit is completely free! Find out more about this building!
The former Carmo Convent was built by friars
The imposing building on Praça XV was built by Carmelite friars in the 17th century and remained a religious dwelling for 200 years!
However, with the arrival of the Portuguese royal family, the building became the home of Queen Maria I, the first woman to rule the Portuguese empire. It was there that she lived and spent the last eight years of her life, when she died at the age of 81 in March 1816.
After that, the former Convento do Carmo also took on different roles. During the reign of Dom Pedro II, it housed the Brazilian Historical and Geographical Institute (IHGB). In the 20th century, it was the headquarters of the Rio de Janeiro Academy of Commerce. Finally, it housed the Cândido Mendes Law School.
The renovation lasted four years and revealed objects from the royal family
Despite all its historical importance and the fact that its architecture has stood the test of time, the former Convento do Carmo remained abandoned for many years.
It was only in 2018 that the State Attorney General’s Office (PGE) took over the renovation and transformed the place into a cultural center, with exhibitions, a library and a bistro open to the public.
The renovation lasted four years, with a focus on restoring the frames, floors, ceilings and paintings from colonial times. It was also necessary to bring more accessibility, modernity and new facilities, without neglecting the building’s historical features.
Among the finds during the excavations, the stone walls glued together with whale oil and the wooden beams interwoven into the structure of the internal walls recall the concern of Europeans about the earthquakes that devastated Lisbon in 1755.
In addition, there are various objects used by the Portuguese royal family, such as crockery, wine bottles, silverware, pipes and more!
From royal residence to cultural center: exhibitions, library and more!
In 2022, after restoration work, the former convent became the PGE Cultural Center, which has free admission and a very artistic and diverse program !
The space has guided tours, exhibitions, a reading room and a charming bistro. In addition, the Marcos Juruena Villela Souto Library has a collection of more than 30,000 works, many of them rare!
Did you know about this incredible building in Rio de Janeiro?
📌Rua Primeiro de Março, s/n – Praça XV, Centro
🕛Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except public holidays)
💵Free of charge