Was it really possible to buy everything from a pin to a car here? That’s what the newspapers said at the opening of Shopping do Méier in 1963. Let me tell you about this commercial center in Rio de Janeiro. Shopping do Méier stands proudly on Rua Dias da Cruz in the Mèier neighborhood.
It was the vision of Arlindo Pinto de Oliveira and Estanislau Vitoldo Zaremba. They wanted to create a central place for people to shop easily. The Shopping do Méier was designed by architect João Henrique Rocha. He was also the second-place winner in the competition to design Brasília.
Back in the 1960s Mèier was a prime location for commerce. Only Madureira and Copacabana were more important. The Shopping do Méier quickly became a landmark. It is considered by many to be the very first shopping center in Brazil.
The Brazilian Association of Shopping Centers considers Shopping Iguatemi in São Paulo the first, but Shopping do Méier was founded earlier. The association does not recognize Shopping do Méier as a true shopping center. This is due to its physical characteristics.
The Shopping do Méier covers a large area with fronts of 100 and 50 meters. It totals 5.800 square meters. The building itself spans about 16.000 square meters. It has three floors. The first two floors are for shops. The third floor has more shops and a restaurant. There are open areas with gardens. The basement is used for services and parking.
The design features shops around the edges and in the center. Vertical circulation points are in the middle. The facade has a pattern of pillars with openings. The Shopping do Méier has a traditional feel. Its horizontal design stands out from the modern buildings around it.
Over the years Shopping do Méier has been renovated. The facade was remodeled. Central air conditioning was installed. The electrical system was upgraded. All these improvements were made to better serve the people of Mèier.
Today Shopping do Méier hosts many stores. There are also fast-food restaurants. You can find Lojas Americanas C&A and Burger King here. There is even a Smart Fit gym. The Shopping do Méier also holds events and happy hours with live music.
Shopping do Méier continues to be a vital part of northern Rio de Janeiro. It welcomes many businesses. It remains a popular destination for shoppers and visitors alike. The story of Shopping do Méier is the story of Brazilian commerce itself. From a simple pin to dreams of owning a car, the shopping center embodies the aspirations of generations of Cariocas.