The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói — MAC) is situated in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of the city’s main landmarks. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the premier architect of Brazil, and shows his work as well as the works of other artists. The museum projects itself over Boa Viagem (“Bon Voyage,” “Good Journey”) and features a 817-square meter reflecting pool that surrounds the cylindrical base “like a flower,” in the words of Niemeyer. A wide access slope leads to a Hall of Expositions, which has a capacity for sixty people. Two doors lead to the viewing gallery, through which can be seen the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as the Christ. The saucer-shaped modernist structure, which has been likened to a UFO, is set on a cliffside, at the bottom of which is a beach. In the film Oscar Niemeyer, an architect committed to his century (Marc Henri Wajnberg, 2000), Niemeyer is seen flying over Rio de Janeiro in a UFO, which then lands on the site, suggesting this as the origin of the museum. Great place to escape to on a hot day as entrance is R$4 and the art inside is wonderful and touching. This place alone is worth a trip to Niteroi.

Parque da Cidade in Niteroi is open to the public. There are a few take-off areas for hang-gliding and other such sports, as well as a company who will take you into the wind. Just show up and off you go! If jumping off a mountain isn't your thing, then go there just to see the view. I've heard the sunset is a must see. But going any time during the day is well worth the trip. Just spectacular!

This is the place to go in Niteroi to see and be seen. The best time to go is at night when the air is cool. You will see people playing futebol, volleyball, and Foot-volley (futevolei) on the beach as well as people walking and jogging down the boardwalk. Many of the people who exercise here are also using this time to mingle and show off their nice bodies. Very good place for people watching. Make sure you enjoy some delicious coconut water and check out the view of Rio - you can see Sugar Loaf and the Christ!

Casa do Pai do Andy.