Museum of Modern Art, Rio de Janeiro, Modern art museum in Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Museum of Modern Art sits in the Flamengo neighborhood along the waterfront of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. The low concrete structure with clean lines and open passages connects to a landscaped garden filled with tropical vegetation.
The institution first opened in 1948 inside a bank building in downtown Rio before moving to its current site four years later. A major fire destroyed much of the collection in 1978, but the building was subsequently rebuilt and operations continued.
The institution takes its name from its focus on contemporary Brazilian expression, which visitors encounter through rotating exhibitions and public programs. The galleries display sculpture, painting and installation work by national artists who shaped the country during the 20th century.
Admission is available Tuesday through Friday from noon until six in the evening, and on weekends and holidays one hour longer. The open architecture allows wheelchair users access to most exhibition spaces, while outdoor areas invite walking and exploring.
Architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy designed the structure with a roof that rests on few supports, creating the impression that it floats above the ground. Landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx created the surrounding green spaces as an integral part of the site, using native plants to emphasize the dialogue between nature and architecture.
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