Carolina Maria de Jesus is celebrated in an exhibition at the Museu de Arte do Rio

The first free artistic occupation at the site is taking place at MAR, Museu de Arte do Rio (Rio Art Museum), after passing through São Paulo, in 2022: Carolina Maria de Jesus: Um Brasil para Brasileiros – Ocupação MAR , (Carolina Maria de Jesus: A Brazil for Brazilians – Occupation MAR, in English).

The exhibition presents the public with reflections on structural racism, poverty, hunger and overcoming, based on the life story of the writer Carolina Maria de Jesus, a black woman, living in the favela and protagonist of Brazilian literature. 

The exhibition tells part of the author’s life and brings to light talents and aspects of her that not everyone knows about. In addition to being a writer, she was also a singer, songwriter and poet. There are more than 400 items including books, manuscripts and photographs, as well as works by artists who dialogue with the life and work of Carolina Maria de Jesus.

Who was Carolina Maria de Jesus?

Born in 1914 in the city of Sacramento, Minas Gerais, Carolina Maria de Jesus was a black multi-artist who became best known for writing diaries, her most successful work being “Quarto de Despejo”, released in 1960, with immediate translation into more than 13 languages. 

For many years, Carolina lived in Favela do Canindé, on the banks of the Tietê River, in São Paulo. During this period, the writer worked as a paper collector to support her three children. She is one of the most important authors in Brazilian literary and cultural history, and her work is considered essential for understanding our country. 

It is curated by anthropologist Hélio Menezes and historian Raquel Barreto, with assistance from Phelipe Rezende.

Visiting period

The Occupation will take place until November 26, 2023. The Museu de Arte do Rio is in Praça Mauá, downtown Rio de Janeiro. 

Visiting days: Tuesday to Sunday 

Opening hours: 11 am to 6 pm, entry until 5 pm 

Ticket Price: Full, R$20.00, half, R$10.00. Credit or debit cards are also accepted. 

Where to buy: at the self-service totems on the Museum’s pilotis. Or online, by clicking here!

Free of charge is granted for: 

• Students from the public elementary and high school system 
• Children up to 5 years old 
• People aged 60 and over 
• Teachers from the public education network in the city of RJ 
• Museum employees 
• SEA Neighbors 
• Tour guides 

In all cases, supporting documentation must be presented. Don’t miss it!