Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard Review

Rio de Janeiro, a city celebrated for its breathtaking beaches and spirited culture, gives us, too, spots that offer some intellectual and visual feasts away from the sand. Among these stand the Museum of Tomorrow, the AquaRio, and the Olympic Boulevard, each promising a different look at the city’s present and what its future might be. We went to these destinations, and this is what it was like.

Museum of Tomorrow: A Glimpse into What Could Be

The Museum of Tomorrow, so called Museu do Amanhã in Portuguese, sits there looking quite impressive on the Mauá Pier. Its eye-catching architectural design looks very special against the Guanabara Bay backdrop. But, its beauty is more than skin deep, very much like any person you meet.

That, it is, museum wants people to wonder about tomorrow by looking at challenges such as climate change, population increase, and changes in technology. It makes use of lots of technology to give people of any age an interesting learning atmosphere. One exhibit I remember showed population growth predictions through a fascinating simulation. Is that not interesting?

And I would say that the museum also encourages discussion, which is so needed in the world that exists now, not so sure if it was needed as much back then. Is that not important now?

Recommendations:

• Make sure you get tickets early online, that way you miss any lines, it tends to get a bit congested with time.
• Give yourself at least three hours to see everything and not to feel in a hurry.
• Don’t just see the permanent exhibitions – try to experience temporary ones. These generally talk about specific stuff that can give additional thoughts and things to consider.

AquaRio: Getting to know the marine life of Rio

The AquaRio, considered South America’s biggest marine aquarium, isn’t so far from the Museum of Tomorrow, that, too it’s located in the Port Zone. Housing something like 5,000 animals representing 350 species, this aquarium is really quite impressive and educational, it would seem.

You begin the tour making your way through different marine habitats. From small, cute seahorses, that everybody likes so much, to very menacing sharks, there’s quite something for everybody, maybe even yourself. That is what I noticed.

The primary attraction is the main tank, this is called the Oceanario. It is a huge space, featuring sharks, rays, and tons of other fish swimming calmly around a simulated shipwreck. They give the people, me included, the option to pass through a submerged tunnel. That felt like you were really at the floor of the ocean.

Recommendations:

• Aim to visit on a weekday, basically when it is less crowded. It is very pleasant when you don’t need to fight crowds.
• Check out the touch tanks to feel some marine animals up close. Is that not a cool thing to do?
• Be there during feeding times to view the staff in action.

Olympic Boulevard: Past glories and current pleasures

The Olympic Boulevard, revitalized for the 2016 Olympic Games, gives us a mix of cultural spots and city views. And of course, that happens so very smoothly. Stretching for a large part along the waterfront, this spot came into being the meeting spot for tourists and locals alike. Seems that is what everybody wants to do.

A great attraction in that area includes the massive Etnias mural created by Eduardo Kobra. That bright work honors indigenous people from five continents, and serves as a very impressive statement on unity and cultural diversity. As a matter of fact, it offers tons of opportunities to snap a cool picture.

Besides the mural, the area features food stands, art installations, and open areas to sit and rest. On certain occasions, too it hosts performances and special events that bring something different for any taste and preferences.

Recommendations:

• Walk the entire length of the boulevard to view everything, this would give you a great perspective on what is available.
• Get time to view the Etnias mural both during daytime and, so called, the golden hour for nice colors, and pictures.
• Watch for events happening there so as to combine culture with seeing places, is that not interesting?

Making the most out of the trip

To see the Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio and Olympic Boulevard in one trip needs some strategy and coordination. Very likely the attractions lie close enough to each other for that reason, the best way is to make use of public transportation or ride sharing. Try doing these at least a bit early in the day to prevent long queues. Buying your tickets online for those spots that permit online reservations might make it easy for you.

While around there, that it is, you may want to view other sights in the Port Zone. The São Bento Monastery with its impressive gilded interiors; plus the street art and old warehouses, may well be great. You should give it a little planning so as to maximize the Rio experience, in particular.

Final Thoughts

The Museum of Tomorrow, the AquaRio and the Olympic Boulevard showcase Rio de Janeiro, in a way, being greater than only beaches. Those points incorporate culture, education, and recreation, that shows so well the many faces to be seen in this very fascinating city. Should you find yourself visiting Rio, those sights have to be in that list to get something more that just the surface glamour.

• Museum of Tomorrow: Take into account what the future keeps.
• AquaRio: Find marine life diversity.
• Olympic Boulevard: See culture meeting with art along the city streets.

With that comes the reminder, be well to make sure to use comfortable shoes and clothes. This is in preparation of long hours spent strolling about, that will leave great experiences, of course.