Maua Square

Welcome to Prah-sah Mah-wah, the historic and cultural heart of Rio's revitalized port district. You are standing in a space that serves as the primary threshold between the city's historic downtown and the expansive Guanabara…

At the geographic center of the square stands the monument to the Barão de Mauá, the square's namesake. Irineu Evangelista de Sousa was a figure of immense scholarly interest—a self-made man who became the richest person in the…

On the southern edge of the square stands the Museu de Arte do Rio, known as MAR. This institution is an architectural marvel that perfectly illustrates the port's revitalization strategy. …

The northern side of the square is defined by the Praça Mauá VLT station. This modern light rail system is the backbone of the port's 'smart city' infrastructure. …

As you walk toward the water's edge of the square, the full expanse of Guanabara Bay opens up before you. This interface with the water was once blocked by the Pier Mauá warehouses, but today it is an open 'lâmina d'água' or…

Take a moment to observe the 'urban furniture' of Praça Mauá—the benches, lighting, and shared-use facilities that make the square a functional living space. The square is equipped with modern, minimalist benches that encourage…

Finally, we must acknowledge Praça Mauá’s role as the gateway to 'Pequena África' or Little Africa. While the square itself is a triumph of modern revitalization, it sits atop a landscape deeply marked by the history of the…

As we conclude our tour of Prah-sah Mah-wah, we hope you have gained a scholarly appreciation for the complexity of this space. We have seen how the vision of the Baron of Mauá has been updated for the 21st century, and how the…