Escadaria Selarón wins Boulevard to increase accessibility and tourism

One of the most visited postcards in Rio is about to gain a new space to welcome residents and tourists with more comfort and accessibility. Prefeitura do Rio started the works of Boulevard Selarón, project that integrates the first actions of the newly created Art and Culture District of Lapa and will requalify the surroundings of Escadaria Selarón.

Created in 1990 by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón (1947–2013), the Escadaria Selarón is one of the symbols of the Lapa and one of the most photographed attractions in Rio. Formed by 215 steps covered by thousands of colorful tiles coming from different parts of the world, the work connects the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa and consolidated itself as an important artistic and cultural heritage of the city.

With an investment of R $ 1.7 million, the intervention provides for the expansion of areas aimed at pedestrians, leveling of floors, construction of new sidewalks and access ramps, as well as improvements in the circulation and organization of traffic in the region. The aim is to value one of the main tourist attractions of the city and provide an even more enjoyable experience for those visiting the site.

The interventions also include the creation of a bay for boarding and disembarking buses and tour vans on Rua Visconde de Maranguape, near Sala Cecília Meireles. On the other hand, Rua Joaquim Silva, in front of the staircase, will have the expanded sidewalk to offer more space to pedestrians. In Rua Teotônio Regadas, a street of service with high track on the same level of sidewalks will be implemented, prioritizing the circulation on foot and expanding accessibility.

In 2025, the Escadaria Selarón received more than 1.5 million visitors, according to data from the Carioca Tourism Observatory, reinforcing its relevance for Rio tourism.

The creation of Boulevard Selarón reinforces the commitment of the Prefeitura do Rio to the valorization of cultural heritage, the revitalization of the Lapa and the strengthening of tourism, offering a more modern, inclusive and welcoming infrastructure for cariocas and visitors.