House of Culture of Pernambuco

In 1848, the government of the Brazilian province of Pernambuco decided to build a new prison for the city of Recife. The engineer in charge, Mamede Alves Ferreira, chose a radial panoptic design with a central building. The cross-shaped architecture consists of four arms: north, south, east and west, each with three floors, converging in a central tower. This allowed the inmates to be supervised by one person from a central location.

When it opened in 1855, the prison of Recife was the first, largest and most modern panoptic radial prison built in South America. A few years earlier, in 1842, Pentonville Prison in north London, built according to the same model, had opened its doors, sparking a global prison architecture movement in the 19th century.

The prison in Lenzburg, Switzerland, was built according to a similar design. Just nine years after Recife, in 1864, the Lenzburg prison was opened as the most modern penal institution in Europe. It is still in operation today.

In March 1973, the governor closed the internment camp in Recife. The inmates were transferred to other prisons.

The artist Francisco Brennand from Recife had the idea of converting the prison into a cultural and artistic centre. The architect Lina Bo Bardi headed the restoration project. On 14 April 1976, Francisco Brennand and Lina Bo Bardi opened the Casa da Cultura as the city's cultural and artistic centre.

Francisco Brennand, born in Recife, was an important Brazilian sculptor, painter, designer and ceramicist. During his studies in France, he was influenced by Picasso, Miro and Gaudi. In 1993, he exhibited at the Berlin Art Gallery. His studio is located about 15 km from the centre of Recife.

The Casa da Cultura offers art and culture. Some cells have been preserved in their original state. On one door is the name of the writer, novelist and journalist Graciliano Ramos. As mayor, he wrote critical reports on administrative problems to the governor. He later headed the education department. In 1936, he was imprisoned as a militant communist, but did not join the Communist Party until 1945.

The Casa da Cultura is impressive with 8,400 m² of built space and a 6,000 m² outdoor terrace. The former prison cells have been converted into small shops and studios. The interior is decorated with traditional northeastern folk art. The outdoor area has been converted for events, and there is a food mile for catering to guests, where Pernambucan delicacies such as Bolo de Rolo and stuffed tapiocas are offered.

It is one of the best places to buy unusual souvenirs. At the same time, it also offers a taste of northeastern traditions that differ from those of the rest of Brazil. This colourful and unique culture of Brazil's northeast can be fully experienced in the House of Culture through its art, music, food and handicrafts.

The House of Cultures, managed by the Pernambuco Historical and Artistic Heritage Foundation (FUNDARPE), displays arts and crafts from all over Pernambuco. Popular items include wood carvings, hammocks and ceramic products.

In addition to the souvenir shops, you will come across various artistic attractions in the corridors. Dance and music groups enrich the visit with their performances. Music genres such as frevo and forró are ubiquitous.

Regional folklore performances take place in the amphitheatre. Dances such as Coco, Maracatu Nação, Baião, Caboclinho, Quadrilha and Xaxado are particularly popular. Capoeira, puppet shows and clowns also contribute to the lively culture.

In and around the Casa da Cultura, you can regularly attend cultural dance or music events.