Perhaps you’ve heard whispers on the wind about a colossal Art Deco statue that watches over Rio. It’s not just any statue. It is Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer stands majestically atop Corcovado Mountain. The mountain is within the Tijuca Forest National Park. Look up and you will see its outstretched arms. They offer protection and welcome millions of visitors each year.
This iconic statue has become a symbol of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. It is also a symbol of Christianity across the world.
The idea of placing a Christian monument on Corcovado Mountain arose in the 1850s. Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss suggested it to honor Princess Isabel. However, the project was not approved at that time.
In 1921, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro proposed building a statue of Christ. Its commanding height would make it visible from anywhere in Rio. Citizens petitioned President Epitácio Pessoa. They wanted to construct the statue on Mount Corcovado.
Permission was granted. The foundation stone was laid on April 4, 1922. This commemorated the centennial of Brazil’s independence from Portugal. A competition was held to find a designer. Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa was chosen.
Heitor da Silva Costa collaborated with Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald. Oswald is credited with the pose of Christ with arms spread wide. French sculptor Paul Landowski collaborated on the final design. He is credited as the primary designer of the figure’s head and hands.
Funds were raised privately. The church was the main contributor. Construction began in 1926. It continued for five years. Materials and workers were transported via railway.
Christ the Redeemer stands 30 metres tall. Its arms stretch 28 metres wide. Including its pedestal, the monument reaches a height of 38 metres. The statue weighs 635 metric tons.
The structure is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone. This makes it the largest Art Deco-style sculpture in the world. Its long lines, outstretched arms and simplified design create a stunning example of Art Deco.
The statue was dedicated on October 12, 1931. In 2006, a chapel was consecrated at its base. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.
Over the years, Christ the Redeemer has undergone periodic repairs and renovations. These include cleaning in 1980 for Pope John Paul II’s visit. There was also a major project in 2010. Escalators and elevators were added beginning in 2002.
Lightning struck the statue in 2008 and 2014. This caused some damage. Restoration efforts replaced outer soapstone layers and repaired lightning rods.
In 2010, a massive restoration began. It included cleaning, mortar replacement, and waterproofing. Vandals attacked the statue during renovation. They sprayed paint along the arm.
Christ the Redeemer continues to inspire. It serves as a daily inspiration of peace and profound reverence. Its image has become inseparable from Rio de Janeiro. It is a cultural icon recognized worldwide.