The ItalianoRio exhibition, held at the Italian Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with IED Rio, presented the Italian influence in the city, specially in areas such as: Press, Gastronomy, Arts and Design. Usually closed to the public, the Consulate’s terrace was opened during the event, so visitors could enjoy the incredible view of the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf. Access to the terrace was done through an installation where the walls were covered with the Brazilian-Portuguese words and expressions with Italian origin.

The first room was dedicated to the anonymous Italian families who landed in Rio during the Century XIX and XX and contributed with the development of the city. The original passports of the first registered immigrants were displayed, as well as a video specially prepared for the exhibition showing their main routes and cities of origin. The second room highlighted 10 Italian immigrants who became local celebrities, photographs and some of their personal objects where displayed. Among all the honored Italians were Paschoal Segreto, entrepreneur who opened the first cinema in Brazil; Gianni Ratto, founder of Rio’s most famous Theater company and Eliseu Visconti, one of the greatest names in Brazilian painting.

Designed by Marina Piquet + OCO Arquitetura
Photography by Daniel Werneck