Casa Brasil opens immersive VR/AR experience in Rio's historic Customs House

Starting May 21, Casa Brasil in Rio de Janeiro launches 'Imersão Casa Brasil Petrobras', a five-minute virtual reality journey through five centuries of the city's history, housed in the former Alfândega (Customs House) at Praça XV. Using VR headsets, augmented reality via QR codes, and AI, the experience reconstructs periods from pre-colonial Tupinambá presence to Portuguese arrival in 1565, the Customs House operations, and 19th-century markets. It critically addresses maritime commerce, enslavement, and cultural resistance, highlighting Black women fishmongers at the old Mercado do Peixe. The installation is part of the 'Casa Fluminense' exhibition featuring contemporary artists like Melissa Oliveira. Secretary of Culture Danielle Barros emphasized technology's role in connecting heritage with the public. Director Tania Queiroz noted the project aims to activate emotional connection with silenced voices. Funded by the Rouanet Law, sponsored by Petrobras, with support from the Ministry of Culture, the project was developed with producer V ARTE and selected by the Novos Eixos – Ícones da Cultura Brasileira edital. Free admission, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm.