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RioLuz restores historic city lampposts between Glória and Copacabana
Published on 16/10/2025 - 14:02 | Updated
So far, 155 poles have been treated, between Glória and Copacabana. Photo: Disclosure/RioLuz RioLuz is leading a restoration project on the historic cast-iron streetlights that are part of the city's heritage. So far, 155 streetlights have been restored, distributed between Glória and Copacabana. On the Copacabana waterfront, the highlight is the so-called "Pearl Necklace," a group of 73 streetlights installed in 1936, which over the decades has become a symbol of the "Little Princess of the Sea" waterfront.
"The restoration of these historic streetlights reaffirms RioLuz's commitment to caring not only for public lighting, but also for the memory and heritage of our city. Each restored piece carries a part of Rio's history and deserves to be treated with due respect. This work ensures greater safety, preserves Rio's identity, and enhances the community's living spaces," Rafael Thompson, president of RioLuz.
The restoration project is a project of the Rio Heritage Institute. The streetlights and their domes have already been modernized in several locations throughout the city. Now, the project also includes the restoration of the cast-iron streetlights.
"Valuing the historic landscape is a way to ensure the city advances without losing its cultural heritage. The project began with a pilot project in the city center, but the proposal is to expand it to other regions, reinforcing the importance of balancing preservation and urban development. This way, we keep alive the memory of the spaces that helped build Rio's identity," emphasizes Laura Di Blasi, president of the Rio Heritage Institute.
The work requires careful craftsmanship and is carried out in several stages. First, all layers of paint accumulated over the years are removed. Next, the post is brushed, degreased, and primed. It is then painted with insulating paint to prevent potential electrical current transmission, and finished with graphite gray paint.
Whenever possible, restoration is done on-site. In more complex cases, when special attention to detail is required, the post is completely removed for treatment. Some pieces with delicate ornaments are also removed separately for even more careful restoration.
"These are historic streetlights, treated with care and dedication, respecting their original details. It's a meticulous and delicate restoration process, carried out calmly and attentively to ensure the preservation of the pieces without damaging them," explains Alfredo Couto, Development Manager at SmartLuz.
The restoration of the historic lampposts is part of an ongoing effort to preserve the city's cultural and urban heritage. The work will continue in other locations, such as Glória, Praça Paris, Praça São Salvador, and Laranjeiras.
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