An integrated cultural center on the waterfront, in Ipanema (RJ), with a cinema, theatres, an art gallery and a museum: this is Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim (CCLA). The space belonging to the state of Rio de Janeiro was inaugurated on May 12, 1986.
Before it was transformed into a cultural center, the house was already a meeting point for artists such as Tonia Carrero, Fernanda Montenegro, Camila Amado and the group Asdrúbal Trouxe o Trombone. The events witnessed the constant presence of host Laura Alvim.
The daughter of Álvaro Alvim, the doctor who brought X-rays to Brazil, and the granddaughter of Angelo Agostini, one of the greatest cartoonists of the second era, Laura Alvim (1902-1984) grew up surrounded by thought.
However, Laura wanted to become an actress, but her family never allowed her to. Therefore, she decided to turn this frustration into motivation: she built a theater in the house building, where she gave performances and performances for friends, encouraged meetings between veterans and young artists, and always encouraged culture.
The irreverent girl was a dedicated supporter of the arts and donated the property to the government of Rio de Janeiro in 1983, six months before her death. In fact, it was stated in Laura’s will that the space may only be used by the state for cultural activities.
Today, Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim houses theatres, a gallery, courses, a studio, a bar, space for cultural events and cinemas.
Great performances have already been performed at home, at the Teatro Laura Alvim, including “Quatro Times Beckett”, “Quartett”, “Theatro Musical Brasileiro”, “Mary Stuart”, “Tristão e Isolda” and “Dama da Noite”. The space’s walls are made of stone and the 190 chairs were designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
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Laura Alvim Cultural Space
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Laura Alvim Theater
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Art gallery with gallery by Vic Muniz
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House Bistro
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Casa de Cultura is also home to theater courses offered in various formats, featuring well-known teachers in the area, such as Daniel Herz and Susanna Kruger.
The class format aims to develop and improve the art of acting for incoming students and trained actors.
And since gastronomy is also an art, Bistrô Souto Tropical, at Casa de Cultura, is led by Chef Frédéric Meunier and offers the public an elegant gourmet environment.
The space features tropical-inspired cuisine, featuring dishes with marine ingredients, as well as elaborate drinks.
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After undergoing renovation in 2016, the house acquired a new visual identity to match the new stage, with two fully modern theatres, three cinemas, a large sea-facing event hall, multi-purpose rooms, an art gallery and a culinary space.
The renovation was sponsored by the Swiss company Omega, which installed it during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and made the space even more magical.
The main theater received 200 new seats, equipment, dressing rooms and other facilities. The 60-seat Teatro Rogerio Cardoso, known as Burao, began hosting plays, evenings and shows.
Cinema rooms have improved acoustics and become more comfortable.
Laura Alvim House of Culture
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