Construction begins on the Rio-Áfricas Cultural Center in Little Africa.

New equipment will be built next to the Valongo Wharf and reinforces the region as a territory of memory, identity and appreciation of Afro-Brazilian culture - Photo: Iago Campos / Rio City Hall

The mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere, inaugurated, this Friday (July 31st), the construction of the Rio-Áfricas Cultural Center building, a new facility that reinforces Little Africa, in the Port Zone, as one of the main territories of memory, identity and resistance in the city. The construction marks a new stage of the project, launched after the demolition of the old Pró-Matre Maternity building, which occupied the site for more than 90 years.

"Today we begin this project which, for us, is a source of great pride and certainty that we are on the right track here in the Port Region of Rio. The Rio-Áfricas Cultural Center is a facility that means a great deal in consolidating this space, not just as Little Africa, but as a compass for the development and construction of the identity of what Rio de Janeiro is, looking to the future, but always recognizing the strength and relevance of the ancestral peoples, the African peoples who came to Rio. It is a very special day for the city," said Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.

The Rio-Áfricas Cultural Center will be built next to the Valongo Wharf, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and its mission will be to value Afro-diasporic ancestry through exhibitions, shows, educational activities, artistic training, and cultural events open to the public.

The architectural project is signed by architect Marcus Vinicius Damon Martins de Souza Rodrigues, from Estúdio Módulo de Arquitetura e Urbanismo, winner of the competition promoted by Companhia Carioca de Parcerias e Investimentos (CCPar), in partnership with the Instituto dos Arquitetos do Brasil (IAB-RJ). The proposal was chosen from among 36 projects presented by Black Brazilian and African architects of Portuguese language.

Architecture inspired by African ancestry.

With a tree-lined courtyard, the Rio-Áfricas Cultural Center was designed to engage with the history and identity of the region. The landscaping incorporates species such as snake plant, agapanthus, and Texas grass, referencing African symbolism and the Atlantic Forest. The facade will feature patterns inspired by African designs and perforated panels that filter natural light.

Legacy for the Port Area

The Rio-Áfricas Cultural Center is part of the transformation process of the Port Zone initiated with Porto Maravilha and joins other initiatives to enhance Little Africa and the Valongo Wharf, developed in partnership with institutions such as Iphan, BNDES, IDG and the private sector.

With the start of construction, the City Hall is moving forward in creating a space dedicated to preserving memory, disseminating Afro-Brazilian culture, and strengthening Little Africa as a historical, cultural, and tourist landmark of Rio de Janeiro.