Fundição Progresso is a cultural center and live-music venue in Lapa, at Rua dos Arcos, near the Arcos da Lapa. Set in a renovated foundry, it hosts concerts, festivals, fairs and cultural activities, with dance studios, a café and several event spaces. Come during the day for workshops or independent cinema, or check the programme for samba circles and Brazilian music at night. Upstairs, a rooftop terrace gives you a view of the arches, and a mural by Tchello d'Barros is another reason to look around.
A former foundry turned cultural venue
Fundição Progresso occupies a renovated casting and welding factory in Lapa. Its programme brings music and other cultural activities into the former industrial building, which now contains several event spaces. The venue has hosted concerts by Cássia Eller, Los Hermanos, Monobloco, Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Frejat and O Rappa.
The schedule can range from concerts and music festivals to fairs, discussion panels, workshops and independent cinema nights. Check the official website for what is happening during your stay; the type of event affects what you will see and how the spaces are being used.
What to see inside
The venue has multiple areas, including a garden balcony, a café area and large, multi-level spaces used for shows. Some concerts are standing-room-only, so expect to spend the performance on your feet. The scale of the rooms suits large events, while daytime activities give you other reasons to visit beyond a concert.
Head upstairs for the rooftop terrace and its view of Lapa’s arches. Look for the mural by Tchello d'Barros near the winding staircase. Paintings in the building also depict Rio’s historical development from several viewpoints.
Daytime activities and evening events
During the day, the programme can include dance studios, workshops, talks and independent films. There is also an arts-focused café. At night, Fundição Progresso becomes a live-music venue, with samba circles and concerts among the experiences on offer.
Event details, including ticket arrangements, depend on the programme. Some events have offered a reduced ticket price for bringing non-perishable food donations; check the specific event information before relying on this option. Food vendors can be found outside the venue, though the indoor space is the more comfortable place to spend time.
FAQ
Where is Fundição Progresso?
It is at Rua dos Arcos, 24 to 50, in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, near the Arcos da Lapa.
What can you do at Fundição Progresso?
Depending on the programme, you can attend concerts, samba circles, fairs, workshops, discussion panels or independent film nights. The venue also has a rooftop terrace and a mural by Tchello d'Barros.
Are events at Fundição Progresso seated?
Some shows are standing-room-only, with no seats. Check the event details before you go.
Can a food donation reduce the ticket price?
Some events have offered a reduced price for bringing non-perishable food. Check the details for your event to confirm whether this applies.
