Cidade das Artes (City of Arts) is a major performing arts complex in Barra da Tijuca, built on elevated platforms over the Avenida das Américas. Designed by French-Brazilian architect Christian de Portzamparc and opened in 2013, it is the home of the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra and the largest concert hall in South America.
The building is visually striking — a series of white horizontal forms suspended above a public plaza — and worth seeing even if you are not attending a concert. The performance programme covers classical music, jazz, and contemporary arts. Check the schedule before your visit; ticket prices are reasonable by international standards and the acoustics are world-class.