The UFMG Cultural Center is housed in one of Belo Horizonte’s oldest and most impressive buildings and is part of the regional university. The center serves as a meeting point for artistic minds from across the country. Through a series of exhibitions and events held each month, the public can take part in discussions about the significance of the visual arts. Find a wide array of fantastic Brazilian art here, with a focus on pieces from the state of Minas Gerais.
Painted bright orange and trimmed in white, the Alcindo da Silva Vieira is hard to miss. This is the building that holds the UFMG Cultural Center. It is located across the street from Belo Horizonte’s main train station. When constructed in the early 1900s, the site was intended to attract travelers straight off the train to the city’s burgeoning central district. Visit today to see how its great reputation for exhibits continues to attract crowds. Take photos of the building’s distinctive Manueline architecture, which is a classic example of the Portuguese late-Gothic style.
Wander into the cultural center most evenings and you will find a seminar or workshop taking place in the beautiful Celso Renato or Ana Horta halls. Events are usually free and often feature local luminaries from the art and academic spheres.
Come to one of the free film screenings held in the auditoriums on most nights. These screenings include art house and classic films from across different genres, such as film noir, musicals, westerns and a variety of others.
Located just off the culture-packed Praça da Estaçãosquare, the UFMG Cultural Center offers the perfect end to a day spent exploring the rest of the vicinity’s museums. Make sure you visit the nearby Casa Fiat de Cultura, which showcases works by big-name artists such as Caravaggio and Rodin. Another cultural attraction within walking distance is the Museu de Artes e Ofícios (Arts and Crafts Museum), where you can learn about pre-industrialized Brazil.
