The Best Independent Art Galleries In Rio De Janeiro

Known for its beach culture and body-conscious aesthetics, Rio de Janeiro tends to be typified by sun, sea and sex appeal, yet just under the surface lies an underground art scene populated by a complex network of incredible artists. To get to know this culture-rich side of Rio, the independent art galleries are a good place to start.

1. Atelie Pedro Grapíuna

Art Gallery

This small yet fascinating studio is the workshop and gallery of Pedro Grapiuna, a former actor, set designer and surrealist painter who made the move into the world of sculptures. His time is devoted to repurposing recycled metal into fantastic works of art that resemble insects, flowers, women, and other images, reflecting the artist’s early years in his home state, Bahia. He uses any piece of scrap metal including bike chains, car engines, doors locks, tools and hinges.

2. Galeria Cavalo

Art Gallery

Set inside a 1930s building with all wooden floors and high ceilings, Cavalo uses the traditional settings to juxtapose its exhibitions of contemporary art. A fairly recent gallery to the art scene in Rio with the grand opening just back in 2016, it showcases mostly Brazilian artists but is slowly building up a portfolio of international masters too. The whole gallery exudes personality and warmth and it seems hopeful that it will achieve its aim of providing a united gallery scene in Rio, something that the city surprisingly lacks.

3. Despina

Art Gallery

Despina manages projects from Largo das Artes, a cultural and artistic space in Rio’s centro. Some of the projects form a residency programme that allows space for artists to explore their creativity. The results are contemporary pieces of art that represent collaboration of artists from all over the world. Within its space, resident artists can exhibit their works, increasing their visibility as well as contributing to the development of the local art scene.

5. Hospedagem e Arte Modernistas

Hotel

The former mansion dating back to 1925 was left in a state of ruins, until the current owners pulled up their sleeves and got down to the mammoth task of restoring it to the elegant yet boho bed and breakfast that it is today. The five-bedroom guesthouse is uniquely decorated with the works of five Brazilian modern artists; Di Cavalcanti, Oswald de Andrade, Alfredo Volpi, Tarsila do Amaral, and Arthur Bispo do Rosario. Next door as an extension of Hospedagem e Arte Modernistas is Anexo Galeria do Arte, an open exhibit that displays national and foreign artists through a huge diversity of media such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, photos and urban art.

6. CasAlegre Art Vila

Hotel

Near Centro, worlds away from the tall buildings and beauty-culture of Rio’s beachfront, lies Santa Teresa, a neighbourhood that sums up ‘boho-chic’ in a single glance. It’s this hippie and creative vibe that make it a hub among the artist community and places like CasAlegre Art Vila give the opportunity to showcase some of this fine art. The building is a former colonial mansion with a chilled out cafe in the outdoor courtyard for its guests that stay in one of the eight cozy rooms here. There is also a large exhibition space for local artists to display their works with no restrictions, meaning all manners of artistic expression and styles are to be found.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.