Established in 1990, the Casa França-Brasil is housed in the former customs house (1819). This very elegant building, designed by the architect Grandjean de Montigny, was commissioned by the King of Portugal, João VI, in order to bring a little refinement to the city where he had just settled. In 1821 crowds gathered here to demand that the court reside permanently in Rio, a key step on the country's march towards independence. Concerts, exhibitions, theatre: the programmes feature both Brazilian and international art.