the house received a number of well-to-do visitors during this era, including the emperor dom pedro ii - the emperor himself planted five of the six palm trees that were the first to germinate in brazil.

eventually vila riso came to represent a site of brazilian culture and art, upon the acquisition of the property in 1932 by a wealthy italian art enthusiast, osvaldo riso.

riso was a strong patron of the arts, helping to create the brazilian philharmonic orchestra, as well as as acting as the president of juventude musical brasileira (musical youth of brazil).