Rio de Janeiro has just gained a new gastronomic hub in Praça Mauá, very close to the Museum of Tomorrow. However, the building is already well known in the city, designed by the same architect who designed the Copacabana Palace, Hotel Glória, and Edifício A Noite. Learn more about the history of the Touring Building and what to do there.
An icon of Rio’s art deco style, the Touring Building was inaugurated in 1928
Photo: Reproduction | O Globo newspaper
The Touring Building is almost 100 years old and has a lot of history to tell. That’s because the building, one of the first examples of art deco in Rio de Janeiro, was designed by French architect Joseph Gire in 1928.
He was also responsible for other gems in the city, such as the A Noite Building, the Hotel Glória, and one of the main symbols of Rio’s coastline, the Copacabana Palace.
With approximately 9,000 square meters and three floors, the Touring Building still preserves its original architectural lines and stained glass windows. Right at the entrance, the stained glass window depicts the arrival of the Portuguese in Brazil, with caravels, Guanabara Bay, and a relief of Rio de Janeiro.
In addition, it is impossible not to notice the imposing columns, crystal chandeliers, and the striking Clock Tower, which adds a special touch to the building.
Shortly after its inauguration in 1929, the Touring Building housed the Touring Club of Brazil, the country’s leading automotive and tourism service institution, for decades. Now, after years of closure, the space is open to the public and has once again become the city’s newest hotspot.
Belmonte, Azumi, Il Piccolo: what to do in the new gastronomic complex in downtown Rio
Photo: Fulviusbsas | Wikipedia
The person who took on the project and breathed new life into the Touring Building was businessman Antonio Rodrigues, head of the Belmonte Group. The idea was to create a vibrant meeting place where people could enjoy good music and quality cuisine, in line with the revitalization of the region.
Thus, those who visit the new gastronomic complex in the Touring Building will find classics and novelties from Rio, spread over three floors and with a privileged view of Guanabara Bay.
On the ground floor, Boteco Belmonte and the Japanese restaurant Azumi welcome the public. The second floor, with a very sophisticated atmosphere, houses the traditional Italian restaurant Il Piccolo.
The top floor is home to Acervo Gastrobar, with an original and psychedelic vibe to liven up Rio nights.
Another new feature is that, on weekends, you can also enjoy a delicious breakfast, served at the entrance, with products from Padaria Ipanema bakery.