The free Casa Brasil exhibitions and cultural events attracted over 25,000 visitors to Somerset House during London 2012. Rio 2016™ is confident of the success of the activities it has held at the cultural centre, located in the heart of London, and expects to still receive thousands of visitors at Casa Brasil during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, whose Opening Ceremony will be held this Wednesday.

Last Tuesday, Rio 2016™ representatives hosted the press for a closed event at Casa Brasil, to mark the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The contemporary art exhibitions and the events at Casa Brasil during the London Olympic Games could show Brazil as a modern and innovative country with a wealth of culture to offer and a close connection with sport. Exhibitions at Casa Brasil will be on view until 8 September.

“As we are hosting the Games edition after London 2012, the role of Casa Brasil becomes even more important in promoting our project, Brazilian culture, the country as a tourist destination and new business opportunities. We want all visitors to Casa Brasil in London to feel the atmosphere of excitement and change of the city that will host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games”, said Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of the Rio 2016™ Organising Committee.

The main cultural exhibition at Casa Brasil, open to the public on 21 July 2012, is called ‘From the Margin to the Edge: Brazilian Art and Design in the 21st. Century’ (Da Margem ao Limiar: Arte e Design Brasileiros no Século 21). Under curatorship of art historian Rafael Cardoso and with set designed by Daniela Thomas and Felipe Tassara, the contemporary art and design exhibition impresses with Brazil’s abundant and diverse cultural offer.

‘Brazil, the time is now!’ (Brasil, a hora é essa!) is another exhibition at Casa Brasil, which offers and joyful and beautiful panorama of Brazil, its travel destinations, gastronomy, nature and culture.

Lastly, ‘Passion and Transformation: A Unique Experience through Sport’ (Paixão e Transformação: Uma Experiência Única através do Esporte) is the third exhibition at Casa Brasil, featuring the history of Rio 2016™: the victory of Rio’s candidature, Rio 2016™’s approach and vision, and its plans for staging the Games.

Visitors to Casa Brasil can also enjoy a simulated paragliding flight over the city and take a trip to the Rio 2016™ boutique, which offers the public their first opportunity to purchase Rio 2016™ products, such as T-shirts, caps, notebooks, mugs, pins, Brazilian crafts and Time Brasil items.

In addition to promoting Brazil and Brazilian sport in the heart of the British capital city, Casa Brasil is a space where Brazilian business, investment and tourism organisations can build partner relationships and create business opportunities. Nearly 30 events were held by Rio 2016™, its partners and stakeholders during the London 2012 Olympic Games.