the space includes a theater, art galleries and three exhibit spaces as well as an outdoor café and bookstore. since its opening in 1986 by rio's secretariat of culture, the center has become a vanguard in presenting the latest and greatest art and film in rio. acting, painting and other art courses are offered to the public throughout the year.

casa de cultura laura alvim, avenida vieira souto, 176, ipanema,   tel. 21. 2332.2016 - here is the webpage, contact email, and google map.

set back a few blocks from the beach in ipanema is toca do vinícius, a bossa nova lover's delight, with a shop on the ground floor.   upstairs there is a small museum dedicated to the songwriter and poet vinícius de moraes, and a monthly bossa/samba concert.