Selarón Steps
Rio de Janeiro
The Selarón Steps are a world-renowned set of 215 colorful steps stretching 125 meters between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón starting in 1990, the steps are covered in more than 2,000 tiles collected from over 60 countries, making it a unique and evolving public artwork. Selarón initially renovated the dilapidated stairs in front of his home, using tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag—blue, green, and yellow—as a tribute to the Brazilian people. Over time, the project grew into an obsessive labor of love, funded largely by the sale of Selarón's paintings and donations from visitors worldwide. The artist continuously changed and expanded the mosaic, considering the work never complete until his death in 2013. The steps have become an iconic tourist attraction, featured in international media, music videos, and Rio's Olympic bid. Besides their artistic value, the stairs also host cultural projects such as independent art centers and theater companies, enriching the local cultural scene.
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Consejo: The best time to visit the Selarón Steps is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate tile work. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods, known for their lively atmosphere and cultural offerings. Tickets are not required, but donations to support local cultural initiatives are appreciated. Due to its popularity, visiting early in the day can help avoid crowds. Comfortable footwear is recommended as the steps are steep and uneven.
Datos interesantes
- •The Selarón Steps are covered in over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries around the world.
- •Approximately 300 of the tiles were hand-painted by Jorge Selarón, many depicting a pregnant African woman, a personal motif of the artist.
- •Jorge Selarón sold over 25,000 portraits of the same pregnant woman, which helped fund the steps' renovation.
- •The steps have been featured in music videos by artists such as Snoop Dogg and U2.
- •The Selarón Steps were part of Rio de Janeiro's 2016 Olympic bid video titled "The Passion Unites Us."
- •The stairs appear in several international editions of the TV show The Amazing Race.
Historia
Jorge Selarón began renovating the dilapidated steps outside his home in 1990, initially facing skepticism from neighbors.
He used tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag, scavenged from construction sites and later donated by visitors worldwide.
Over the years, the mosaic expanded to cover 215 steps and became an evolving artwork.
In 2005, the city of Rio de Janeiro officially recognized the steps as a cultural heritage site and granted Selarón honorary citizenship.
Selarón continued working on the steps until his death in 2013, when he was found deceased on the stairs under mysterious circumstances.
Guía del lugar
Main Staircase1990–2013
The 215-step mosaic staircase stretching 125 meters, covered with colorful tiles from around the world. It is the central artwork created by Jorge Selarón, showcasing a dynamic and ever-changing mosaic.
Hand-Painted Tiles1990–2013
Approximately 300 tiles hand-painted by Selarón, many depicting a pregnant African woman, a recurring personal motif.
Cultural Spaces Nearby
The steps host cultural projects such as Casa da Escada Colorida, an independent art center with exhibitions, artist residencies, and film screenings, as well as the Cia dos Atores theater company.
