CAMINHO NIEMEYER
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A collection of buildings including the famous MAC, which looks like a flying saucer, and similar monuments with their clean lines...
This Caminho in Niterói is, after Brasilia, the second most important architectural ensemble entrusted to the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012). After ten years of promises and 100 million reais invested, the "Niemeyer Way" was finally inaugurated in 2013 and today continues to take shape in its final details. A cathedral, for example, is due to be built. Unfortunately, the master was not able to see all the buildings fully completed because he died in 2012 at the age of 103.
This group of buildings includes the famous MAC, which looks like a flying saucer, but also other monuments of the same type, with very clean lines, round and white walls.
Crossing Guanabara Bay by boat is an exceptional opportunity to walk in the architect's footsteps, but also to discover an almost provincial life, just on the other side of the historic center of Rio. The visit begins upon arrival (if you arrive at the Charitas Terminal) since one of the seven buildings along the way happens to be the boat terminal itself, the Charitas Terminal. The other terminal, Praça Araribóia Station, is closer to the other buildings of the Caminho.
Although the majority of the sites are concentrated on a small section - the Aterro da Praia Grande (the Great Beach Breakwater) -, the path spreads over 3.5 km of urban coastline and aims to revitalize this coastal tongue by attracting tourists who are reluctant to cross the bay. The boat ride from the Praça XV, with the view of Rio at sunset, is nevertheless so beautiful!
At the exit of the Niterói terminal, just turn left towards the shopping centre. This is where the Praça JK is located, the second of the seven places designed by Niemeyer. Then continue along the road to the city's central bus station. To get to the Aterro da Praia Grande (where the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, the Roberto Silveira Memorial and the Teatro Popular Oscar Niemeyer are located), simply cross the terminal along its entire length and follow the arrows of the Caminho , then just a few steps away, facing the bay. The reception centre is at the entrance.
Finally, going in the opposite direction from the boat terminal (southwards), still following the Avenida Viconde do Rio Branco, you will find the imposing and exciting Museu Petrobras de Cinema about 10 minutes walk away. From there, you will have to take a taxi (or walk 30 minutes on a nice ledge) to get to the famous MAC, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rio.
