Selarón Steps

A Cultural Icon in the Heart of Rio de Janeiro The Escadaria Selarón, between the historic neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, is a work of public art that became one of the most emblematic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. Created by the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, the staircase has 215 steps covered with more than 2,000 tiles from some 120 countries, reflecting Brazil's cultural diversity and hospitality. In 1990, Selarón began turning an ordinary staircase into a vibrant tribute to the Brazilian people. Starting with materials collected from building sites and discarded pieces, the artist went on to receive tiles from visitors all over the world, working them into his creation. The dominant colours — green, yellow and blue — evoke the national flag, while red, Selarón's favourite colour, gives the work its distinctive touch. Over the years, the Escadaria Selarón has gained international recognition, serving as a backdrop for music videos by renowned artists such as U2 and Snoop Dogg, as well as various film and television productions. In 2005 the staircase was officially listed by the Rio de Janeiro City Council, cementing its status as cultural heritage of the city.