Praça Mauá

Praça Mauá is a public square in Rio de Janeiro that connects downtown to the Guanabara Bay waterfront and frames two major museums. The space includes seating areas, green zones, and open grounds used for both pedestrian movement and large gatherings.

The square opened in 1910 as a major city hub and was named after Baron Mauá, an important figure in Rio's port development. A significant redesign in 2015 removed an elevated roadway that had separated the space from the waterfront.

The square hosts rotating exhibitions, outdoor markets, and performance events that connect visitors with local artists and creativity. People gather here to experience how the city meets the water and integrates contemporary art into everyday public spaces.

The square is easily reached by bus, tram, and metro, with multiple stops located nearby. The grounds are level and straightforward to walk through, with plenty of spots to rest and get oriented.

The square sits on grounds that were once a bustling port, and its layout still reflects the original connection between city and sea. The street numbering in the surrounding area still follows the old port system that originated here.