What is it like to live at Retiro dos Artistas? Get to know the accommodations at the home of famous stars

Located in Jacarepaguá, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Retiro dos Artistas has been home to famous elderly individuals for many years. Big names from Brazilian TV, such as Cláudio Corrêa and Castro and Paulo César Pereio, resided there in the final years of their lives. The place currently features a structure with a dining hall, theater, library, pool, beauty salon, chapel, and physiotherapy center for residents and local residents.
The Retirement Home was founded in 1918 to support entertainment professionals in vulnerable situations. The 15,000 square meter space was donated by Czech journalist and entrepreneur Frederico Figner, a pioneer in the Brazilian phonographic industry. The institution has 43 residents and relies on donations and volunteer work.
Recently, actress Marieta Severo donated all the materials for the construction of three new houses on-site. Alanis Guillen and Emilio Dantas painted artwork for an auction exhibition, with proceeds going to the Retirement Home. Musician Roberto Menescal also auctioned a show and guitar in support of the institution.
Residents also have access to acting and dubbing classes. Last month, the creation of a cultural center within the institution was announced, which will host theater and music performances, film screenings, storytelling sessions and library debates, art exhibitions, ballroom dances, and various cognitive stimulation activities such as art therapy and autobiographical writing (see photos in the gallery below).
Retiro dos Artistas: check out photos of the new houses donated by Marieta Severo
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Christmas Campaign
Retiro dos Artistas started a Christmas campaign featuring some of its residents sharing their holiday wishes. ‘We asked our residents to choose what they would like to receive for Christmas, and each request carries a piece of their history, memory, and desire,’ says the caption of the post shared on the institution’s social media.
Some residents requested material gifts. 78-year-old actor Jaime Leibovitch asked for a Kindle. Actor and dancer André Oliveira, 75, went further: ‘An apartment on Avenida Atlântica, in Copacabana.’ Others were touched by simpler requests: to see their families.
Published on Monday (8), the post already has nearly 5,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
Residents face prejudices
Actor Jaime Leibovitch, known for his recent role in ‘Êta mundo melhor!’ as Barão Deschamps, told the Play column of O GLOBO that he decided to move to Retiro dos Artistas after losing his only son in a car accident. ‘This, in a way, motivated me to make the decision to look for the Retirement Home,’ said the actor, pointing out the prejudice against artists living in the institution.
‘How many times have I taken taxis to Retiro dos Artistas and heard the same question from the driver: ‘How did these artists squander all their fortunes to end up in Retiro dos Artistas?” And the expression is just that: ‘to end up.’ This is seen in the press: ‘So-and-so, a global star, ended up at Retiro dos Artistas.’
Actor Stephan Nercessian, president of Retiro dos Artistas, reminded the Play column that the institution is a Long-term Stay Institution for the Elderly (ILPI) and, therefore, requires resources. All donations are welcome.
‘We need to meet the requirements set by the Public Ministry, such as hiring social workers, psychologists. All of this costs money, we’re adapting, but it’s a constant struggle.’