The bronze statues of some famous people, such as poets, singers, composers, writers, and soccer players, have become part of the landscape of Rio de Janeiro and coexist with the people walking through the city.
The installations, technically named “interactive statues,” are life-sized and richly detailed, reminding us of some moments of the artists that blend with the city’s history. According to the Municipal Secretary of Conservation (Seconserva), 1200 monuments are scattered throughout the city, including statues, busts, sphinxes, and fountains.
Here are some of the most famous, in case you want to stop by and take a photo.
CARLOS DRUMMOND DE ANDRADE
Taking a photo with Carlos Drummond de Andrade is a must for anyone walking along Copacabana beach. The poet’s statue, the most famous, was installed in 2002, the year he would have turned one hundred. Inspired by a photograph by Rogério Reis, Drummond is seated with his back to the ocean in the neighborhood where he lived until his death in 1987.Where: Av. Atlântica, s/n Posto 6 – Copacabana
TOM JOBIM
Upon arriving at Arpoador, the author of “Garota de Ipanema,” Tom Jobim, awaits with his guitar on his shoulder, in the style of his strolls around the city in the 1960s. The statue, created by Christina Motta, was inaugurated in 2014, exactly 20 years after his death.Where: Rua Francisco Bering, s/n – Arpoador
MACHADO DE ASSIS
The Brazilian writer considered the greatest name in national literature is seated on a sumptuous throne at the Brazilian Academy of Letters. Machado de Assis wrote classics such as “Dom Casmurro,” “Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas,” and “Quincas Borba.”Where: Av. Presidente Wilson, 203 – Centro
PIXINGUINHA
One of the pioneers of Choro (a genre of Brazilian popular music), the singer of Carinhoso, Pixinguinha, is immortalized in the Center. Known as Pixinguinha, Alfredo da Rocha Vianna Filho is located at Travessa do Ouvidor.Where: Travessa do Ouvidor, s/n – Centro
TIM MAIA
The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who introduced soul music to Brazilian music is immortalized in Praça Afonso Pena. Tim has a statue weighing 150 kilos, just 10 less than he did.Where: Praça Afonso Pena, s/n – Tijuca
MICHAEL JACKSON
Climbing the Dona Marta hill in Botafogo, we can find the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who visited the city in 1996 and chose the local community to shoot the music video for They Don’t Care About Us. The statue of the American idol, who died in 2009, is created by cartoonist Ique Woitschach and has a special spot at the top of the hill.Where: Rua São Clemente, s/n Dona Marta – Botafogo
Source: Riotour