Performing Arts

Rio [1] most prestigious—and extravagantly ornate—performing arts space is the Theatro Municipal (Praça Floriano, Centro, tel. 21/2299-1677, www.theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br [2]), which hosts the biggest national and international names in music, dance, opera, and theater. The Theatro Municipal has its own renowned symphony orchestra, opera company, and ballet troupe.

The historic Sala Cecília Meireles (Largo da Lapa 47, Lapa, tel. 21/2224-4291, www.funarj.rj.gov.br [3]), built in 1926, was a grand hotel and a cinema before being transformed into a music hall featuring classical music performances.

Located inside the grandiose former headquarters of the Banco do Brasil, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) [4] (Rua 1 de Março 66, Centro, tel. 21/3808-2000, www.bb.com.br/cultura [5], noon–8 p.m. Tues.–Sun.) offers a consistently excellent selection of some of Rio’s—and Brazil’s—finest contemporary theater, dance, film, and music. Many events are free.

One of Rio’s oldest and most distinguished theaters, Teatro João Caetano (Praça Tiradentes, Centro, tel. 21/2221-0305) features a diverse range of musical and dance as well as theatrical performances.