Rio de Janeiro's Coastline over the Years
Discover the evolution of Rio's iconic coastline through historical films.
Praia de CopacabanaGeneral Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
Rio's changing landscape
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful coastal landscapes with several beaches that are simply iconic. Through the Paschoal Nardone Collection, we are able to identify several of these tourist spots and witness how they have changed throughout the century.
Forte de CopacabanaGeneral Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
Copacabana
Copacabana is one of the most famous Brazilian beaches, known for its vastness, dazzling views, and vibrant atmosphere. In the first decades of the 20th century its iconic crescent-shaped promenade attracted both residents and tourists, just as it does today.
Beachgoers in Copacabana (1926/1928)General Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
A day at the beach
The sunny beaches of Copacabana are a bathers' paradise. The sea bathing tradition, once prescribed for well-being, became an iconic and democratic custom in Rio's identity.
Copacabana–A film by Paulo MacDowelGeneral Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
This other film captures the grandeur of Copacabana Palace Hotel, a beacon of glamorous living in the city, whether it was hosting grand celebrations or famous people. Its iconic architecture continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
Cais do Porto (1906)General Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
Rio's gateway to the world
Rio's busy port, as seen in the Paschoal Nardone Collection, was a crucial hub for trade and immigration. Vessels from around the world brought people and merchandise, molding the city's culture.
HarborGeneral Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
A stroll along the port
These rare images depict daily life at the Rio port, capturing the movement of persons along the quay. They offer a glimpse of the city's vibrant social scene and some of the port's history.
Ressaca na Praia do Flamengo. (14.07.1921) by Augusto MaltaGeneral Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
The impact of wave action on Rio's coastline
One of the most notable films in the collection depicts a large storm surge that impacted the Flamengo and Glória beaches in Rio in 1925.
Storm surge on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July, 1925 (1925)General Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
This is one of the best-preserved films, which documents an inundated Beira-Mar Avenue, the strong impact of the waves against the wall, and the destruction of the pedestrian walkway.
Banhistas na Praia de CopacabanaGeneral Archive of Rio de Janeiro City
Copacabana beach, post 5, n.d.
Through the lenses of these historic films, we see the beauty of Rio de Janeiro, its busy port, and its resilience in the face of adversity. Each image reveals the story of a city that has always been on the move, constantly evolving and adapting to the vagaries of time.
Mayor of Rio de Janeiro
Eduardo Paes
Secretary of State
Eduardo Cavaliere
General Archive of the City of Rio de Janeiro
Rosa Maria Araujo
Documentation Center
Maria Thereza Kahl Fonseca
Curatorship, editing and historical research
Conrado Werneck Pimentel
Text revision
Pedro Paulo Malta
Interns
Luísa da Costa de Oliveira and Marcelle Araujo Lins
Film digitization
LUPA/UFF - University Laboratory for Audiovisual Preservation
