The Works of Mestre Valentim Tour
Follow this guide to see the remaining works of the 18th century's greatest sculptor, artist, architect and urban planner—the son of an enslaved woman—who left an indelible mark on the city of Rio de Janeiro.
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Rio locations 13
The Works of Mestre Valentim Tour: The Master in the Garden
Meet Rio de Janeiro's 18th century master through his works hidden in the city.
National History Museum: St. John the Evangelist and St. Matthew, Chandelier
The National History Museum is open from 10:00am to 5:30pm on Tuesdays - Fridays, and from 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Admission: R$10,00; Free on Sundays
The Third Order of Our Lady of Carmo Church: The Altarpiece, Chandeliers
Visitation is open and free Mondays through Fridays from 7:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Praça XV: Pyramid Fountain
Praça XV is an open public square in downtown Rio de Janeiro.
São Bento Monastery: Chandeliers
The São Bento Monastery is open to the public daily from 6:30am to 6:30pm, except Saturdays, when it closes at 5:30pm.
Our Lady of Conception and Good Death Church: HIgh Altarpiece; Carved Doors
Situated in the heart of bustling downtown Rio de Janeiro, Our Lady of Conception and Good Death is open to the public Monday - Friday, from 10:00am to 2:30pm.
Saint Francis of Paula Square: Altarpiece; Chapel of Our Lady of Victories
The church is open for visitation Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm; Fridays from 8:00am to 6:00pm; Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sundays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Public Promenade Square: The Front Gate with the Queen Maria I Medallion; Two Stone Pyramids; Alligator Fountain and the Boy Fountain which together create the Lover's Fountain
The Public Promenade, located between the neighborhoods of Cinelândia and Lapa, is open to the public daily. The gates are locked at night.
Castro Maya Museums: The Face of Mestre Valentim
There are two Castro Maya Museums and this page pertains to the location in the neighborhood of Santa Teresa called Chácara do Céu, situated next to Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas).The museum is open Wednesdays - Mondays (closed on Tuesdays) from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Entrance is R$6 and Wednesdays are free.
Lizard Fountain: Chafariz do Lagarto
The fountain is located in downtown Rio, next to the Sambadrome where the annual Carnaval parade is held.
Praça General Osório: Wood Rail Fountain
General Osório plaza is the main square in the neighborhood of Ipanema, just one block from the famous beach.
History of the City of Rio de Janeiro Museum: Mallards
The museum is closed to the public for restoration. It is projected to reopen this year (2019), however, do not trust the website for accurate, up-to-date information. I'll keep you posted as best I can.
Botanical Gardens: Wading Birds; Echo and Narcissus Statues
The Botanical Gardens, where the Mestre Valentim restoration project is housed, is open on Mondays from 12:00pm to 6:00pm and Tuesdays through Sundays from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Admission is R$15 with 1/2 price discounts for students and seniors.Tour curated by: The Master in the Garden: The Mestre Valentim Restoration Workshop (2015) | O Mestre no Jardim: Ateliê de Restauração de Obras do Mestre Valentim Rio de Janeiro : Jardim Botânico, 2015.