Which architect designed Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome?

Oscar Niemeyer designed Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome.

The Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí is a purpose-built parade avenue where Rio’s samba schools compete during Carnival. Niemeyer designed its grandstands and parade complex as a long, monumental space that could handle enormous crowds while keeping the procession visible from both sides.

Construction was commissioned in 1983, and the venue opened in 1984. Its creation followed Brazil’s return to civilian rule and was associated with Governor Leonel Brizola and vice-governor Darcy Ribeiro, who worked with Niemeyer on the project’s concept and location.

The complex is more than a carnival venue: schools and other facilities were incorporated beneath the bleachers. At its far end, Niemeyer’s Praça da Apoteose includes a distinctive 90-metre arch. The site is also called the Sambódromo or Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro.