Escadaria Selarón

Welcome to the Escadaria Selarón, arguably the most vibrant and visually arresting landmark in Rio de Janeiro. As we stand at the base of these two hundred and fifteen steps, we are not just looking at a staircase, but at a…

We begin our ascent at the very bottom of the steps, where the artistic statement is most overt. Here, the large sections of yellow, green, and blue tiles immediately evoke the Brazilian national identity. …

As we move further up the staircase, the truly global nature of the project becomes apparent. Selarón began to receive tiles from fans and travelers from all over the world, making the staircase a collaborative international…

One of the most intriguing and scholarly significant aspects of the Escadaria Selarón is the recurring image of a pregnant African woman. You will see her on dozens, if not hundreds, of hand-painted tiles throughout the steps. …

Near the upper middle section of the staircase, the color palette shifts dramatically. While the steps themselves are multi-colored, the flanking walls are covered in thousands of bright red tiles. …

As we reach the final tiers of the staircase, the urban environment begins to change. We are leaving the high-energy, gritty charm of Lapa and entering the more refined, historic atmosphere of Santa Teresa. …

Near the top of the steps is the house where Jorge Selarón lived and worked for decades. For many years, visitors could see the artist himself sitting on the steps, covered in paint and cement, chatting with tourists and…

As you descend the steps or continue your exploration into Santa Teresa, take one last look at the riot of color that surrounds you. The Escadaria Selarón is a rare example of an urban intervention that succeeded through sheer…

As you descend the steps or continue your exploration into Santa Teresa, take one last look at the riot of color that surrounds you. The Escadaria Selarón is a rare example of an urban intervention that succeeded through sheer…