Dezeen Magazine

Seven of the best new buildings and interiors in Rio that have nothing to do with sports

Rio 2016: sporting venues aren't the only projects to have completed in Rio de Janeiro in the run up to this month's Olympic games. Here are seven impressive cultural buildings, offices and retail spaces that have opened since the city won its bid to host the event (+ slideshow).


Museum of Tomorrow by Santiago Calatrava

Museum of Tomorrow by Santiago Calatrava

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava's science museum with a skeletal roof that projects over a public plaza opened in 2015. Find out more about the Museum of Tomorrow »


Leblon Offices by Richard Meier and Partners

Leblon Offices by Richard Meier and Partners

American studio Richard Meier and Partners has completed its first project in South America: a white and concrete office building with hidden vertical gardens in Rio de Janeiro. Find out more about Leblon Offices »


Saraiva bookshop by Studio Arthur Casas

Saraiva Bookstore by Studio Arthur Casas

Books are arranged by colour rather than by title on the upper shelves of this bookshop in Rio de Janeiro designed by São Paulo firm Studio Arthur Casas. Find out more about the Saraiva bookshop »


Cidade das Artes by Christian de Portzamparc

Cidade das Artes by Christian de Portzamparc

These images by photographers Hufton + Crow reveal the pairing of angular and curved concrete volumes at the art and music complex completed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc. Find out more about Cidade das Artes »


RB12 overhaul by Triptyque

RB12 overhaul by Triptyque Architecture

French-Brazilian studio Triptyque has revamped a 85-metre-high office block in Rio de Janeiro with zigzagging glazing and solar panels so it can generate its own electricity. Find out more about the RB12 overhaul »


Lumini showroom by Studio MK27

Lumini showroom by Studio MK27

Brazilian architecture firm Studio MK27 has added a wooden lattice to the front of this Rio de Janeiro lighting shop – filtering natural light during the day and creating a glowing facade at night. Find out more about the Lumini showroom »


Museu de Arte do Rio by Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura

 Museu de Arte do Rio by Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura

Brazilian firm Bernardes + Jacobsen Arquitetura has grouped three disused buildings under an undulating roof to create a new art museum and art school. Find out more about Museu de Arte do Rio »