The Selaron famous tiled staircase in Lapa District in Rio de Janeiro has 215 steps covered in mosaics from over 148 countries. Each tile was put in place by Jorge Sélaron, a Chilean-born painter who lives in a small room halfway up the Staircase. It is a work of art he started in 1990 that he says will only end with his death.
Since Selaron keeps adding tiles tourists give him, you can become a part of the staircase’s history by bringing him a tile from your city or country. Beware that he accepts only tiles that 1) are not plates, 2) have been in the oven after painted, so that the ink sticks to the surface.
Selaron Staircase is one of the most interesting off-the-beaten-path sites to visit in Rio. The staircase is colorful, original, and impressive.
Best time to visit the famous staircase in Rio
It’s best to arrive between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to increase your chances of meeting Mr. Selaron as he usually takes a nap after lunch. He can be quite a character, and it is well worth making an effort to meet him in person (although he speaks only Spanish and Portuguese).
How to visit the Selaron staircase
Explore the staircase on foot, starting at the bottom. Fifty steps up the staircase, at number 24 (on the right) is the entrance to the artist’s gallery. If you’re lucky, the famous Mr. Sélaron himself will be available for a photo and a chat. He is in his 60’s, cultivates a long mustache, and always wears a red hat. He usually autographs the paintings bought by visitors.
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