The visual arts school is located inside Parque Lage. The most important Brazilian artists from the 1980s onward studied here, including the abstract painter Daniel Senise. The mansion, stables, library, and great hall are all being renovated, but it still looks beautiful. You can come here just to relax or to take a class in sculpting or painting. Rua Jardim Botânico 414, 55/(21) 3257-1800, www.eavparquelage.rj.gov.br.

As told to Heidi Mitchell. Photo by Gabriel Rinaldi. This appeared in the March/April 2012 issue. See all of Batman Zavarese’s favorite places in Jardim Botânico.