Christ Redeemer – Complete Guide to History, Facts & Tickets
Christ the Redeemer, the 98-foot Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Completed in 1931, it draws millions of visitors each year and holds deep religious and cultural significance for Brazil.
The monument was built as a symbol of Christianity and a welcoming embrace to the city of Rio. Its construction involved engineers and sculptors from Brazil and France, and the project took nearly a decade to complete.
This guide covers the history, dimensions, ticket information, religious meaning, and practical tips for visiting Christ the Redeemer, based on verified sources.
Why Was Christ the Redeemer Built?
What is Christ the Redeemer? A 30-meter tall Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Where is it located? Atop the 710-meter Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, overlooking the city and Sugarloaf Mountain.
How tall is it? The statue stands 30 meters (98 ft) tall, with a 26-ft pedestal, making it 38 meters total. Arm span is 28 meters (92 ft).
Why was it built? As a symbol of Brazilian Christianity and a welcoming landmark, completed in 1931 after a decade of construction.
- Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
- The statue was built using reinforced concrete and soapstone, and it withstood lightning strikes and severe weather.
- It was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa.
- The statue’s arms stretch 92 feet, symbolizing peace and embracing the city.
- Tickets range from $20 to $30 (USD) and can be purchased online; the Corcovado train is the most popular way to reach the top.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Height (statue) | 30 meters (98 ft) |
| Height (pedestal) | 8 meters (26 ft) |
| Total height | 38 meters (124 ft) |
| Arm span | 28 meters (92 ft) |
| Weight | 1,145 tons |
| Material | Reinforced concrete, soapstone exterior |
| Construction period | 1922–1931 |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | Mount Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Annual visitors | ~2 million |
Who designed and built Christ the Redeemer?
The project was led by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. French sculptor Paul Landowski created the head and hands, with French engineer Albert Caquot providing structural assistance. The design reflects the Art Deco style, making it the largest sculpture in that style worldwide, according to Wikipedia.
When was Christ the Redeemer constructed?
The foundation stone was laid on April 4, 1922, though final design selection followed later. Active construction started in 1926, and the statue was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after nine years of work.
How long did Christ the Redeemer take to build?
From the laying of the foundation stone in 1922 to the inauguration in 1931, the project spanned roughly nine years. The construction itself, beginning in 1926, took about five years of active building.
Soapstone (steatite) was chosen for the outer panels because of its resistance to weathering and high temperatures. The statue has endured severe weather and lightning strikes since 1931, requiring periodic restoration.
How Tall Is Christ the Redeemer?
What are the key facts about Christ the Redeemer?
The statue alone stands 30 meters (98 feet) high. Including the 8-meter pedestal, the total height reaches 38 meters (124 feet). The outstretched arms span 28 meters (92 feet). The entire structure weighs 1,145 tons, as documented by Britannica.
What is Christ the Redeemer made of?
The interior is reinforced concrete. The exterior consists of thousands of soapstone panels, applied like tiles, which give the statue its distinctive light gray appearance. Soapstone is durable and can withstand the humid, tropical climate of Rio.
How much does Christ the Redeemer weigh?
The total weight of the statue and its internal structure is approximately 1,145 tons. The soapstone cladding alone contributes significantly to this mass, ensuring stability atop the mountain.
The best light for photographing the statue is early morning or late afternoon. Sunrise shots catch golden light on the face, while sunset views offer dramatic colors behind the figure.
How to Get Christ the Redeemer Tickets?
How much does it cost to visit Christ the Redeemer?
Ticket prices vary by season and transport method. As of 2025, the Corcovado train round-trip is about $25–30 USD. Online booking is recommended to avoid long queues. Prices may change; check the official Fundação Parco do Corcovado website for current rates.
How to get to Christ the Redeemer?
The statue is located within Tijuca National Park. Visitors can take the Corcovado train (the most popular option), a 4×4 shuttle, or hike the trail. The train departs from the Cosme Velho station and climbs through the rainforest.
What are the opening hours for Christ the Redeemer?
Opening hours generally start at 8:00 AM and close around 7:00 PM, with variations by season. It is advisable to confirm current hours before visiting. The attraction may close due to bad weather or maintenance.
Buy tickets online in advance through authorized platforms to avoid counterfeit sales and long wait times. On-site ticket offices may have limited availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Is Christ the Redeemer Jesus?
What does Christ the Redeemer represent?
The statue depicts Jesus Christ as the Redeemer, a central figure in Christianity. The open arms symbolize welcome, peace, and blessing. According to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, the monument expresses the divinity of Jesus and the “unsearchable riches of his Paschal Mystery,” as stated in Google Arts & Culture.
Is Christ the Redeemer a religious statue?
Yes. It is explicitly a religious monument built to reclaim Christian sentiment in Brazil after the establishment of a secular government in 1889. The statue serves as a national symbol of Christian faith and is used for religious services and pilgrimages.
A separate monument, Christ the Redeemer of the Andes, stands on the border of Argentina and Chile, unveiled in 1904 to celebrate peace. The Rio statue is the more famous of the two.
Timeline of Christ the Redeemer Construction
- 1850s: First proposal of a religious monument on Mount Corcovado by a Catholic priest.
- 1921: Official competition launched by the Catholic Circle of Rio de Janeiro.
- 1922: Design by Heitor da Silva Costa approved; foundation stone laid on April 4.
- 1924: French sculptor Paul Landowski joins the project to create the head and hands.
- 1931: Statue completed and inaugurated on October 12.
- 2007: Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- 2014: Lightning strike damages the statue; repairs undertaken.
- 2020: Renovation and cleaning for its 90th anniversary.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Christ the Redeemer?
| Established information | Clarifications |
|---|---|
| The statue explicitly depicts Jesus Christ as the Redeemer. | Some visitors confuse it with other “Christ the Redeemer” statues, such as the one in the Andes, but the Rio statue is the iconic one. |
| It is both a major tourist attraction and an active religious site. | Exact ticket prices and opening hours for 2026 are not yet published; visitors should verify closer to their travel date. |
| The statue is made of reinforced concrete with soapstone panels. | While it withstood many storms, a lightning strike in 2014 required repairs; long-term effects of climate on soapstone are monitored. |
What Is the Broader Context of Christ the Redeemer?
The statue is a powerful cultural symbol representing Brazilian Christianity and national pride. It drives a significant portion of Rio de Janeiro’s tourism economy, attracting more than 2 million people annually. Conservation remains an ongoing challenge due to exposure to weather, lightning, and occasional graffiti. The monument is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea,” as noted by UNESCO.
Compared to other large statues worldwide, such as the Statue of Liberty or the Spring Temple Buddha, Christ the Redeemer stands out for its Art Deco design and its location within a national park. The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) recognizes it for its historical significance.
What Do Official Sources Say About Christ the Redeemer?
“Christ the Redeemer is a colossal Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ on top of Mount Corcovado, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.”
— Britannica
“The statue was constructed between 1922 and 1931, designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa.”
— Wikipedia
“The statue stands 98 feet tall with arms spanning 92 feet and sits on a 26-foot-high pedestal.”
— Go Ahead Tours
Summary: Key Points About Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is a 30-meter Art Deco statue atop Mount Corcovado, completed in 1931. It was built as a religious symbol and a welcoming landmark for Rio de Janeiro. The statue attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. For practical planning, check official sources for tickets and hours. Consider exploring other wonders like the New Seven Wonders of the World or use our Rio de Janeiro travel guide for more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christ the Redeemer
What are the best photos of Christ the Redeemer?
The best photos are taken from the observation deck at the base of the statue, offering panoramic views of Rio. Sunrise and sunset provide dramatic lighting.
Where is Christ the Redeemer located?
It stands atop Mount Corcovado, within Tijuca National Park, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What is the architectural style of Christ the Redeemer?
The statue is the world’s largest Art Deco sculpture, characterized by streamlined, geometric forms.
How many visitors does it attract annually?
Approximately 2 million people visit each year, making it one of Brazil’s most popular attractions.
What is the arm span of Christ the Redeemer?
The arms stretch 28 meters (92 feet) from fingertip to fingertip, horizontally outstretched.
When was Christ the Redeemer inaugurated?
The statue was officially inaugurated on October 12, 1931.
What is the purpose of the open arms?
The open arms symbolize welcome, peace, and the blessing of Christ over the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Has the statue ever been damaged by lightning?
Yes, a lightning strike in 2014 damaged the statue, and repairs were carried out soon after.
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