The traditional Somerset House will have a Brazilian atmosphere during the London 2012 Olympic Games. At the neoclassical building, the Casa Brasil will be installed, a place for the promotion of the country, the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (BOC) actions. The contract was signed on Tuesday 24th, in London, at an event that counted with the presence of Rio 2016 Committee and BOC president, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, and of the Somerset House director, Gwyn Miles. During the London 2012 Games, Casa Brasil visitors will be able to get to know a bit more about the country and the city that are hosting the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This is Casa Brasil 5th edition, which was held for the first time at the Atlanta 96 Olympic Games. “Casa Brasil is an important place for the promotion of the Brazilian culture, of the country as a tourist destination and of the quality of national products and services. It is also the working place for the BOC, the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and the Confederations. In 2012, Casa Brasil will be even more important and strategic, since Rio de Janeiro will be the host city for the 2016 Games. We will be receiving authorities, athletes, tourists and journalists from all over the world, hence the choice of such a traditional and central place like Somerset House. Just like in other editions, Casa Brasil will show the sports development, cultural richness, the values and beauty of our country. And I am sure that every visitor will start living the vibrant and structured atmosphere that will welcome the 2016 Olympic Games”, said Carlos Arthur Nuzman. Traditional center of culture and leisure, Somerset House is a neoclassical building in the heart of London, at the banks of the river Thames and beside Waterloo Bridge. Its current building was started in the 18th century, where there used to be an old Tudor palace, with the objective of gathering under the same roof government and the main scientific societies offices, such as the English Royal Academy. Since it was opened to the public in 2000, Somerset House has a constant program of exhibitions, concerts and cultural activities, and receives around 1, 2 million visitors every year. The varied program includes a season of open-air concerts and films, ice skating rink and design and architecture exhibitions. Since 2009, it hosts the London Fashion Week. The place is even in the course of the marathon of the London 2012 Games. "We are thrilled to receive the Brazilian Olympic Committee at Somerset House. Let's work together to develop a schedule that shows the culture and vibrancy of the Brazilians, "said the director of Somerset House, Gwyn Miles.