Recognized as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is a monumental landmark that has come to define the skyline and culture of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Located at the peak of a mountain that can be seen across the city, the monument’s influence on the culture and identity of Rio de Janeiro has been profound, enabling it to become an icon that drives revenue and engagement in a way that resonates across the space on every level.
Celebrating the centennial of Brazil’s Independence
The idea of building a monument on top of one of the more prominent mountains in Rio de Janerio began in 1859 with Pedro Maria Boss, but it didn’t come together until 1922, when the endeavor was connected to an effort to commemorate the centennial of Brazil’s independence from Portugal. Funds were raised privately, mostly by the Catholic church, to support the creation of a statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms, as a symbol of peace.
Ten years of preparatory work went into the construction that lasted from 1922 to 1931. The monument is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and reaches a total height of almost 125 feet, with the nearly 100-foot monument resting atop a 26-foot pedestal. The arms extend 92 feet, allowing it to dominate the 2,300 ft Corcovado mountain.
Referred to as the largest Art Deco–style sculpture in the world, the landmark has become an icon of Rio de Janeiro in a way that resonates across the city and beyond, becoming a symbol that countless businesses and organizations have been able to utilize to drive engagement and revenue.
The Icon of a City and Nation
Visible from all across the city, Christ the Redeemer is an icon that is recognized and utilized in obvious and subtle ways. This impact is further underscored by the experience that visitors can have with the Christ the Redeemer Monument itself.
The panoramic views overlooking the city and its coastline highlight what it can mean to provide residents and visitors with something unique. The multiple ways that audiences can access the monument as well as the large gift shop further highlight the incredible variety that stakeholders and audiences can experience.
While the actual monument can be seen at various places across the city, it can also be seen in merchandise and on displays across the city. Christ the Redeemer has been able to convey a sense of connection and identity that is specific to Rio. It is also on the list of National Historic Heritage of Brazil, creating further opportunities for engagement as the icon of a city and nation.
Featured in maps and guides to the city and region, Christ the Redeemer has become a landmark that showcases the power of identity and connection, creating countless opportunities for engagement that will expand and grow over the eras.
A Beacon of Connection and Engagement
In becoming an icon of both the city of Rio de Janeiro and the entire nation of Brazil, Christ the Redeemer highlights the direct and indirect power of a monument. Lit up in spectacular fashion at night, it has become a literal and figurative beacon that connects audiences and cultivates activity and interest that spans the entire world.
