More than 25,000 people visit Casa Brasil at Somerset House during the London 2012 Olympic Games

The Rio 2016™ Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games [Rio 2016™] today announced that more than 25,000 people visited Casa Brasil’s free public exhibitions and entertainment events at Somerset House during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Thousands more visitors are now expected to visit Casa Brasil as Rio 2016™ celebrates the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

For the duration of London 2012, Casa Brasil’s contemporary exhibitions and events showcase a modern, forward looking Brazil with a focus on its diverse cultural offering and strong connection to sport. Casa Brasil’s exhibitions will run throughout the London 2012 Paralympic Games until 8th September.

With Rio following London as the next Olympic and Paralympic Host City, Casa Brasil is an exciting focal point for everyone in the city to experience the creative energy for which Brazil is renowned, and a beautiful setting to celebrate the nation’s sporting achievements at the London Games.

As well as promoting Brazil, Brazilian sport and the Rio 2016™ Games in the heart of the British capital, Casa Brasil is an area where Brazilian trade, investment and tourism agencies have networked and fostered business relationships. Approximately 30 high-level events have been held by Rio 2016™, its partners and stakeholders during the Olympic Games.

Casa Brasil’s main cultural exhibition, which opened to the public on 21st July 2012, is entitled ‘From the Margin to the Edge: Brazilian Art and Design in the 21st Century’.

Curated by internationally renowned Brazilian curator Rafael Cardoso and designed by famous Brazilian scenographers Daniela Thomas and Felipe Tassara, this special exhibition of contemporary art and design expresses Brazil’s rich and surprising cultural offering.

The Casa Brasil exhibition entitled ‘Brazil: The Time is Now’ provides a vibrant and compelling overview of the country, its destinations, food, nature and culture.

Finally, the third exhibition, ‘Passion and Transformation: A Unique Experience through Sport’, features the story of Rio 2016™, from the moment the Olympic bid was won through to its vision and plans for hosting the Games.

Members of the public visiting Casa Brasil have also been able to get a birds-eye view of Rio with a paraglider flight simulation ride over the city.

An official Casa Brasil retail outlet provides the public with the opportunity to purchase official Rio 2016™ merchandise such as t-shirts, caps, notebooks mugs and pins, as well as Team Brasil and other Brazilian items.

Casa Brasil was officially opened on 26th July 2012 at a reception attended by the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, Rio 2016™ President Carlos Arthur Nuzman and Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, as well as senior Government officials from Brazil, IOC Members and other dignitaries.

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of Rio 2016™, said: "As we prepare to host the Games after London, Casa Brasil is even more important in showcasing our project, Brazilian culture, the country as a tourist destination and the new business opportunities it can offer.

"We want visitors in London to get the first feel of a vibrant and transformed Rio, and we want them to be excited about coming to our city for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016."

Casa Brasil exhibitions:

‘Brazil: The Time is Now’

Opening Hours: Daily until 8th September 2012, 10.00 to 19.00, except on Thursdays when the exhibition opens from 11.00 to 21.00.

Admission: Free

Summary: The exhibition provides an overview of the country, including subjects such as tourist destinations, food, nature, sustainable development, diversity, culture, architecture and contemporary life. Typical crafts and works from the country’s different regions will be on display to represent Brazilian roots and local traditions.

‘From the Margin to the Edge: Brazilian Art and Design in the 21st Century’

Opening Hours: Daily until 8th September 2012, 10.00 to 19.00, except on Thursdays when the exhibition opens from 11.00 to 21.00.

Admission: Free

Summary: Bringing together the best of Brazilian art and design in the 21st century, the exhibition covers the country’s contemporary output in all its forms including photography, painting, design, video and sculpture. It showcases over 70 works from 33 artists, and it is curated by Rafael Cardoso and designed by Daniela Thomas and Felipe Tassara.

‘Passion and Transformation: A Unique Experience through Sport’

Opening Hours: Daily until 8th September 2012, 10.00 to 19.00, except on Thursdays when the exhibition opens from 11.00 to 21.00.

Admission: Free

Summary: An interactive exhibition to introduce the Rio 2016™ Olympic and Paralympic Games to the public. Its highlights are Rio de Janeiro’s social and urban transformation, driven by the Games; social inclusion projects; and the preparation of a new generation of athletes by the Brazilian Olympic Committee [COB] and the Brazilian Paralympic Committee [BPC]. The Olympic, Paralympic and Rio 2016™ values are demonstrated by the creative process behind the Rio 2016™ Olympic and Paralympic emblems.

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