Mauá Square is a revitalized area of the port. A cornerstone of Praça Mauá is the Rio Museum of Art. Two buildings were blended in 2013 to create the museum. On the right is Palácio Dom João VI, the former headquarters for port inspectors. This is now the Pavilion of Exhibitions. On the left was a bus terminal. Today, Escola do Olhar houses educational programs. In the center of the square is a pedestal with a life-size sculpture of Irineu Evangelista de Souza. This Brazilian merchant made significant contributions to Brazil’s industrialization during the mid-19th century. Among his credits were major improvements in shipping, railroads, gas lighting, banking and exploring the Amazon River. This plaza is named after his noble title, The Viscount of Mauá.
