Retiro dos Artistas (Artists’ Retirement Home)

Retiro dos Artistas is a longstanding Brazilian institution located in Jacarepaguá, in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro. It was founded in 1918 by actor Leopoldo Fróes and journalist Irineu Marinho, inspired by a French model for homes for retired artists.

The Retiro serves as a home for elderly artists who are facing financial difficulties, emotional challenges, or have been abandoned, or simply need a supportive community. Residents include actors, singers, musicians, producers, costume designers, makeup artists, and other arts professionals.

Spread across about 15,000 square meters, the facility contains around 50 individual houses, plus common amenities: a dining hall, theater, cinema, library, swimming pool, and a beauty salon.

Residents receive daily meals (usually six per day), access to medical services, physiotherapy, psychological support, and hygiene and wellness services. There are also cultural and social activities, chances to produce and exhibit work, and opportunities to teach or mentor younger artists.

The Retiro depends almost entirely on donations, volunteers, and support from civil society. It does not receive government funding, and the cost to maintain full operations is significant — around R$ 200,000 monthly.