The former owner of this property on Ipanema's exclusive beach front street was an eccentric lover of the arts who donated it to the state for use as a cultural centre after her death. Built by her father at the turn of the last century, today the three cinema screens, theatre and courses in art, music, acting and literature have fulfilled Laura Alvim's dream for the house's legacy. The theatres (one seating just twenty people) are well-equipped for a variety of presentations and an exhibition hall hosts an ever-changing line up of contemporary shows. The museum, displaying furniture and relics belonging to Laura, her father Alvaro and grandfather Ângelo, is also well worth a look, whilst the café in the central courtyard is the perfect spot for a breather.