Central do Brasil

Welcome to Central do Brasil, the undisputed, pulsing heartbeat of Rio de Janeiro's vast transportation network. As you stand in the bustling square outside, Dom Pedro the Second Square, you are immediately engulfed in a sensory…

Stand back for a moment and focus entirely on the architectural behemoth before us. The Central do Brasil building is one of the most significant examples of Art Deco architecture in all of South America. …

Step through the heavy doors and into the Grand Concourse. The immediate sensation is the sudden amplification of sound. …

We now approach the metal turnstiles that guard the entrance to the commuter platforms. Looking past the gates, you can see the long, concrete veins of the station stretching out into the distance, lined with the heavy, metallic…

Stand back near the edge of the main concourse and observe the flow of people once again. It is impossible to discuss Central do Brasil without discussing the monumental nineteen ninety eight film that shares its name, known in…

Let us pause near one of the massive support pillars that hold up the grand roof. It is worth reflecting on the sheer engineering audacity that created the railway network radiating from this point. …

For our final section, walk towards the escalators that lead downward, away from the natural light of the concourse and into the subterranean levels. Here, Central do Brasil connects with the Rio de Janeiro Metro system. …

As we emerge back into the bright, chaotic sunlight of Dom Pedro the Second Square, take one final, long look up at the towering Art Deco clock. We have traversed the absolute beating heart of working class Rio de Janeiro. …