Last updated on December 18, 2023.

An important square to visit in Rio de Janeiro’s city center is Cinelândia. The official name of the square is Floriano Peixoto Square (Praça Floriano Peixoto), named after a Brazilian soldier and politician who has a monument dedicated to him in the center of the square.

Cinelândia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cinelândia
Floriano Peixoto monument in Cinelândia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Floriano Peixoto monument

 

Municipal Theatre

This plaza was nicknamed Cinelândia because it had several historic theaters spring up around it. The most famous is the Municipal Theatre (Theatro Municipal). It was built in 1905 and holds the city ballet, opera, and orchestra.

Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Municipal Theatre
Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Municipal Theatre

The theatre is luxurious both inside and out. It’s considered to be among the most stunning theatres in Brazil.

Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Municipal Theatre
Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Windows on Municipal Theatre
Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Municipal Theatre

 

Other Buildings

Other prominent buildings on the plaza include the Pedro Ernesto Palace (Palácio Pedro Ernesto), which serves as city hall, and the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional), the largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world. It was established in 1810. There’s also the Federal Justice Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Justiça Federal) and the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes).

Palácio Pedro Ernesto in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Pedro Ernesto Palace
Biblioteca Nacional in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
National Library
Centro Cultural de Justiça Federal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Federal Justice Cultural Center

 

People Watching

Besides the historic buildings, the plaza is also a great place for people watching. There was a book fair taking place when I visited.

Book fair at Cinelândia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Book fair
Cinelândia in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cinelândia

 

Safety

Note: The only time you should visit this area is during the weekdays. Nights and weekends are absolutely off limits. Nobody lives in this area and it is not safe to be there alone. You should also be aware of your surroundings and be very careful with valuables.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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