The museum building should stand out to mark its presence in the city. At the same time, it needs to communicate with its surroundings, be attractive, welcoming, and accessible to all. In this sense, the future MIS of Rio de Janeiro, situated in the noble and privileged spot of Copacabana beach, will be advertised by its very architecture. It will respect the existing building heights of its neighbors along the waterfront in order to be an integral part of the established cityscape. As a new attraction, it will open its doors in a frank and honest way towards the large sidewalk, democratically inviting everyone to share the experience of its interior.
Seven floors high (approx. 35m tall), the building will be constructed of self-cleaning white concrete and will have a huge glazed opening, a fissure from top to bottom, in its façade that opens views towards the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Being the main façade, this intriguing image calls those passing by to enter and uncover its contents. As in caverns, the building encompasses the fascination of the unknown, the desire for surprises and new experiences, the eternal attraction for what is inside without being seen. Once inside, the visitor will encounter the mysteries held in the museum, while also being able to enjoy an infinity of views through the curved fissure, framings of the ocean, which will vary according to day and night, rain and sun, winter and summer, and at every height and angle of the building. One highlight of the museum tour is the café on the roof terrace, from where the whole of Copacabana can be taken in alongside its magnificent natural surroundings, the hills of Rio de Janeiro.
