“Constellations – 40 Years of Paço Imperial” gathers 160 works by 100 artists to celebrate Rio’s iconic cultural center.
On March 28, 2026, Rio de Janeiro’s Paço Imperial opens a grand exhibition marking its 40th anniversary. Curated by Claudia Saldanha and Ivair Reinaldim, the show spans 12 halls and two courtyards, featuring master names such as Adriana Varejão, Helio Oiticica, Lygia Clark, Beatriz Milhazes, and Roberto Burle Marx.
Over 160 pieces reveal how the cultural landmark has mirrored Brazilian contemporary art since 1985. The exhibition draws on the concept of a constellation, interlinking generations, media, and visions across nine thematic sections: Landscape, In Situ, Symbiosis, Construction, Geographies, Bodies, Fortunes, Earth and Sea, and City.
“Celebrating this history means recognizing Paço Imperial’s role in promoting Brazilian art and culture,” say the curators.
Highlights include a recreation of Roberto Burle Marx’s garden, first shown in 2008, now dialoguing with works by Elizabeth Jobim. New pieces, like José Damasceno’s installation “Agrupamento”, created from materials found at Praça XV’s street market, add a contemporary pulse.
Also featured are 15 video artworks from Rio Arte’s 1980s–90s series, with names like Lygia Pape and Tunga. One gallery will be entirely devoted to these iconic films.
Program and legacy
Parallel events include seminars, workshops, and educational programs, in partnership with the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage. A special session will feature architects and curators pivotal to the institution’s history, including Glauco Campello, who led its 1980s restoration.
Founded in 1985, the Paço Imperial Cultural Center remains a cornerstone of Brazil’s artistic scene, bridging heritage and innovation in the heart of Rio.
Service
Exhibition: “Constellations – 40 Years of Paço Imperial”
Opening: March 28, 2026, 2 p.m.
Runs until: June 7, 2026
Venue: Paço Imperial Cultural Center, Praça XV de Novembro, 48 – Downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Free admission
Curators: Claudia Saldanha, Ivair Reinaldim, and the Paço Imperial team
Production: AREA27
Photo: Divulgação
