Solar do Jambeiro, Arts centre in a 19th-century mansion in São Domingos, Niterói, Brazil

Solar do Jambeiro is a two-storey mansion of stone and lime built in 1872, standing on a wooded lot on Rua Presidente Domiciano in São Domingos. Its rectangular main block has a clay-tiled hipped roof and a continuous stone balcony with an iron railing between the floors. Blue-patterned Portuguese tiles cover the main and side facades, framed by other tiles around doors, windows and corners; a cast-iron veranda portico marks the entrance, and a tile above it reads 1872.

Portuguese merchant Bento Joaquim Alves Pereira built the mansion in 1872 as his residence. The building later came under the ownership of Danish diplomat Georg Christian Bartholdy, passing into new hands during a transformative period.

The center draws visitors with art exhibitions, craft seminars, theater performances, and music events held in its restored historic rooms. These programs turn it into an active gathering place where local creative communities regularly meet and share their work.

The site sits on ample grounds that are easy to navigate and explore at a relaxed pace. Visitors should check ahead for current exhibitions and events, as the programming changes regularly throughout the year.

The facade tiles come from the 19th century and display Portuguese craftsmanship rarely seen elsewhere in the region. The ceramic decorations on the eaves featuring birds and flowers showcase the careful artisan work of that era in small details.