Rio de Janeiro Begins Construction of Centro Cultural Rio-Áfricas

Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere inaugurated the construction of the Centro Cultural Rio-Áfricas on 31 July 2026 in the Pequena África district of Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Portuária, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site Cais do Valongo. The new cultural centre will showcase Afro‑diasporic heritage through exhibitions, educational programmes, artistic training and open‑access events. Its architecture, designed by Marcus Vinicius Damon Martins de Souza Rodrigues of Estúdio Módulo, was selected from 36 proposals submitted by Black Brazilian and Portuguese‑language African architects. The building will feature a landscaped courtyard, African‑inspired façade patterns and perforated panels that filter natural light. The project follows the demolition of the former Maternidade Pró‑Matre, which occupied the site for more than 90 years, and forms part of the broader revitalisation of the Port area initiated by the Porto Maravilha programme. Cavaliere said, “O Centro Cultural Rio‑Áfricas é um equipamento que significa muito na consolidação desse espaço…”, emphasizing its role as a compass for the city’s development and a reminder of the millions of Africans who arrived via the Valongo Wharf.