not only is the building on the island quite unique and peculiar in style, but this is the location where the very last grand social event was held before the brazilian empire ceased to exist.

in fact, ilha fiscal today is primarily famous for being the location of the empire's the last big party.

the 'party' was the baile da ilha fiscal (custom house island ball) held just before the new republic of brazil was proclaimed in 1889.  

this famous event is now referred to as the last ball of the empire.