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Theater, classical music (música erudita), and opera may be largely the preserve of the affluent upper classes in Rio, but tickets remain reasonably priced by international standards and can be purchased easily from box offices. Although understanding Portuguese may prove difficult for some visitors, musicals provide a good opportunity to catch the glitzier side of Rio, and the international language of song and dance is considerably more comprehensible. Since many of the venues are in downtown or more out-of-the-way areas, use taxis to get to and from them, as the surrounding streets can feel dangerously deserted by night.
Visual-art venues and museums are also very well endowed, with privately funded cultural centers hosting a rich variety of exhibitions, specific details of which are again best sought out in the Friday editions of the Rio press.
The samba school Salgueiro holds its pre-Carnival rehearsals only on Saturdays from 10 pm. The school also runs other events through the year, like feijoada lunches and cultural fairs, all with live samba music playing all night. Their venue is easily accessed by taxis or rideshare cars, even if you leave late at night.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, spectacular modernist architecture, and an interesting museum, the institute creates the perfect atmosphere for classical music. Listen to musicians performing pieces from Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and other classical composers. Outdoor cinema screenings are held here, too. There is a great café too, and it's worth a visit even on days when there are no scheduled performances.
Built in 1909, the stunning Municipal Theater at Cinelândia is the city's main performing arts venue, hosting dance, opera, symphony concerts, and theater events for most of the year. The season officially runs from March to December, so don't be surprised to find the theater closed in January and February. The theater also has its own ballet company.
The several-times winner of Rio's annual Samba School competition, Beija-Flor holds public rehearsals on Thursdays at 9 pm in the months leading up to Carnival. Since it's far from the usual tourist route, we recommend booking a tour with transport through a travel agency or book a car to go and return.
The last remaining movie palace in historic Cinelândia—once the focal point of moviegoing activity in Rio—is one of the most well-preserved and important in the country. The luxurious theater has hosted premieres, exhibits, and events since opening in 1926, and was totally renovated in 2015. Check their program before going, as the movie theater is only open on special occasions nowadays.
With a glorious view of Guanabara Bay and downtown, the Parque das Ruinas houses the remains of a mansion building that was Rio's bohemian epicenter in the first half of the 20th century. Today live music and theater performances are held here, and the panoramic views from the top of the building are stunning. Occasional music and art events take place during the summer. It was recently renamed to Parque Gloria Maria to honor a famous local TV journalist.
This enormous cultural complex and live music venue opened in 2013 and is now the largest concert hall in South America, seating 1,780. Designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, the Cidade das Artes (City of Arts) complex covers around 90,000 square meters (969,000 square feet) and houses theaters and cinemas, and is home to the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, and hosts major rock and pop shows.
The music school auditorium, inspired by the Salle Gaveau in Paris, has 1,100 seats, and you can listen to chamber music, symphony orchestras, and opera, all free of charge. There is no regular schedule for performances, so check online or call the venue to confirm programming while you are in town.
The charming two-screen Estação Net Ipanema cinema is part of a lively area of small restaurants and bookstores, perfect for hanging out before or after the films (the theater itself has a coffee shop). Other locations of the Estação chain of small art-house cinemas can be found on the Ipanema beachfront (Estação Net Laura Alvim), in Flamengo (Estação Paissandu), Barra da Tijuca ( Estação Barra Point), and two in Botafogo (Estação Net Rio and Estação Botafogo).
One of the most popular schools and always a challenger for the Carnival title, Estação Primeira de Mangueira holds events throughout the year, with emphasis on monthly feijoadas on Saturday afternoons and show rehearsals on Saturday nights. Check the website for the schedule when you are in town.
First built as a venue for the Pan American Games held in 2007, this venue hosts various events like sports or live concerts from national and international artists.
This huge venue hosts some of the biggest Brazilian and international names playing in Rio, such as Caetano Veloso, Adele, Smashing Pumpkins, and Lady Gaga.
A popular concert venue for classical music in the city, the Sala hosts regular performances in a midsize hall and is known for its excellent acoustics.
Located in a shopping mall in well-heeled Gavea, this theater hosts popular productions. Two smaller theaters are reserved for less-commercial productions. Most productions tend to be in Portuguese.
The city's oldest theater dates to 1813, and while the building itself is less than spectacular, the 1,200-seat venue hosts some interesting productions. These tend to be accessibly priced so it's worth a look, especially since the once-seedy area around the theater has been smartened up. The monthly program focus on celebrated traditions and cultures from around the country through music, dance and events.
