Although Rio is not Brazil's largest city, nor its capital, its historical role as the nation's preeminent urban center makes it the single most important city in the country in terms of education, culture, and the arts. The city is well endowed with both public and private universities. Public universities include the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (1920), the State University of Rio de Janeiro (1961), and the University of Rio de Janeiro (1969). Cándido Mendes University Conglomerate (1981), Gama Filho University (1972), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (1941), and University Santa Úrsula (1938) are all private universities.
Rio contains the National Library, housed in an impressive neoclassical building, and the National Archive. Another important part of the city's cultural offerings are its museums, including the National Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Fine Arts Museum, the National Historical Museum, the Museum of the Indian, and the Carmen Miranda Museum. The Municipal Theater, built in 1905 and modeled on the Paris Opera House, is in the core of the city and is home to Rio's ballet troupe and opera company.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Rio de Janeiro Information info
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