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CRAB Architectural Complex
It consists of three historic buildings that are independent in their facades, but unified inside: the Solar do Visconde do Rio Seco, the former headquarters of the Real Benemérita Sociedade Caixa de Socorros D. Pedro V, and the Real Centro da Colônia Portuguesa no Brasil.
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Royal and Benefactoral Society Relief Fund D. Pedro V
Main entrance of CRAB, building number 69. It is believed to have been built in the late 19th century. It housed an institution that acted as a mutual aid society, helping members in case of accidents and illness.
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A meeting between art and history
Throughout CRAB, it's possible to appreciate the intersection of our popular art with Brazilian history.
Left: Wheel of Life, Mário Teles and right: Totem, Master Cornélio
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CRAB Timeline
This space is dedicated to preserving the memory of the architectural complex of CRAB and Tiradentes Square. Through the Timeline, we understand how handicrafts fit into the cultural landscape of the city of Rio de Janeiro.
On the left: Galgo, by Marcos de Sertania and on the right Formiga, by Luiz Benício
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Senac CRAB Sebrae Bistro-School
A delightful encounter between gastronomy and craftsmanship. This is the proposal of the Senac CRAB Sebrae Bistro-School: to promote culture and local economic development, integrating education, entrepreneurship, and the appreciation of Brazilian craftsmanship.
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Architecture in Dialogue: Between History and Exhibition
Going up the stairs, the visitor is invited to explore the Master exhibition and observe the architectural integration of the buildings: the former headquarters of the Royal and Benevolent Society Caixa de Socorros D. Pedro V and the headquarters of the Royal Center of the Portuguese Colony.
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First floor | The Royal Center of the Portuguese Crown
On the first floor, visitors can observe the modern integration of the three buildings, including the café area, the main exhibition space, and access to the terrace.
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Access to the 2nd Floor
The stairs in front of the café provide access to the terrace and the CRAB workshop room.
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CRAB Terrace
The CRAB historical complex features an open space and a panoramic view of Tiradentes Square.
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Tiradentes Square
Tiradentes Square originated in the 18th century as Largo do Rocio and became an important cultural center of Rio in the 19th century, with theaters and cafes. In the center of the square is the equestrian statue of Dom Pedro I, inaugurated in 1862. In 1890, it was renamed in honor of Tiradentes.
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Viscount of Rio Seco Manor
Building number 67, known as Solar do Visconde do Rio Seco, is the oldest in the complex, dating from the 18th century. Built as a noble residence, it belonged to the Viscount of Rio Seco, a figure linked to the Luso-Brazilian aristocracy.
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Solar Architecture
Built in a colonial style with Luso-Pombaline influences, the Solar has three floors, symmetrical facades, a central staircase, and is crowned with terracotta statues, features that were preserved and restored between 2014 and 2015.
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Present History
At the entrance of the Solar, visitors will find terracotta statues of Imperial Brazil and a wooden staircase. These are symbols of the care taken by CRAB during the restoration of the buildings.
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Tiles That Tell Stories
During the restoration, sections of the original hydraulic tile flooring and stonework were identified, preserved, and integrated into the new design.
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Wooden Staircase
A central element of the Solar's circulation system, the current staircase was rebuilt between 2014 and 2015, inspired by the original 19th-century design.
The statues were produced in Europe in the 18th century and represent agriculture, navigation, industry, and wisdom. Both have been restored and are now displayed next to the staircase at the entrance of the Solar.
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Neoclassical Style
The project was based on a remaining balustrade and historical records, preserving the typology and proportions of the old structure, a symbol of the elegance and architecture of the period.
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Solar Visconde do Rio Seco: Heritage and Preservation
The Solar Visconde do Rio Seco is an important example of the preservation of Brazilian history and culture. It was included in the Cultural Corridor Law in 1984, listed as a heritage site by INEPAC in 1990 and by IPHAN in 1998, consolidating its recognition as a historical landmark.
Strategic project management and curatorial guidance: Nathalia Laurindo
Image curation, organization and adaptation of texts for the exhibition: Tassiana Nascimento
Organization of information, metadata and structuring of materials: Gabriel Lopes
Text and research: Bruna Pelegrino and Tassiana Nascimento
Executive Direction: Sérgio Malta
Sebrae: https://bit.ly/4q4TqHI
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