Centro Carioca de Fotografia

The Centro Carioca de Fotografia is an art gallery located in the cinematic Arco do Teles, in a landmarked century-old building on Travessa do Comércio. It is a surviving piece of Old Rio, set on one of the most charming and historic streets in Brazil—a location featured in numerous films, series, and soap operas. With more than 300 years of history, it has witnessed the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Family in Brazil, the coronations of Dom Pedro I and Dom Pedro II, the proclamation of the Republic, and the rise of Carmen Miranda—its most famous resident—along with her sister Aurora Miranda, who sang “Cidade Maravilhosa.”

The street features colonial-style houses, cobblestone pavement, and its iconic arch—a true set for a variety of productions. It feels like a journey through time, and it remains one of the most photographed and photogenic streets in the city. It is located in the Praça XV area, between the Imperial Palace and the CCBB, and is surrounded by other major historical sites such as Casa França-Brasil, the Correios Cultural Center, the Church of Our Lady of Carmo (the former Royal Chapel), the Ferry Terminal, Lapa dos Mercadores Church, the State Legislative Assembly (ALERJ), and many others.

The Centro Carioca de Fotografia is located right in the middle of Travessa do Comércio and features an art gallery on the ground floor, with an open room of about 100 m² that can be used for productions and events. The space includes 100-year-old exposed brick walls up to 5 meters high, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, and a pantry/kitchen. On the mezzanine level (second floor), there is another multipurpose room of about 100 m², which can also be used for productions, events, or as a studio. This floor also includes a dressing room, bathroom, office, and storage area.

All rooms are air-conditioned.

Photography and film equipment available upon request: tripods, seamless backdrops, softboxes, LEDs, flashes, and more.