The casino was closed in 1946 when the Brazilian government banned all forms of gambling nationwide.
Its dome is considered one of the largest in the world, spanning approximately 50 meters in diameter.
The project was designed by architect Luis Fossati and envisioned by businessman Joaquim Rolla.
The interior lobby and theater design were overseen by Dorothy Draper, a prominent American interior decorator of the era.
The building was designed to accommodate a diverse range of recreational facilities, including an indoor ice skating rink and a theater for 1,300 people.
Its construction involved millions of cubic meters of earth moving to create the artificial lake that reflects the facade.
The palace interior features a massive central ballroom modeled after the grand hotels of Hollywood's golden age.
The site was once a playground for international celebrities and royalty visiting Brazil in the 1940s.
Palácio Quitandinha is a historic former hotel and casino complex characterized by its Norman-style exterior and lavish interior decor inspired by Hollywood art deco. Originally inaugurated in 1944 as the largest casino hotel in South America, the structure features a sprawling lake and a distinctively massive central dome. The interior halls are decorated with intricate tapestries, gold leaf, and high-quality woodwork, reflecting the opulence of the 1940s. Currently managed by SESC, the building serves as a cultural center hosting exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts. The structure remains a centerpiece of Petrópolis architecture due to its unique blend of French-Norman facade and tropical-influenced interiors. It has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its original aesthetic and functional components.
From the edge of the artificial lake facing the main facade to capture the symmetry and the reflection.
Check the official SESC website beforehand to see if there are specific cultural events or exhibitions scheduled, as certain areas may be restricted.
Allow extra time to walk around the artificial lake outside to get the best perspective of the building's massive scale.
Bring a light jacket as the mountainous climate in Petrópolis can cause significant temperature drops, especially in the evening.
Attempting to visit without checking the current cultural calendar, as some interior sections may be closed for private event staging.
Typically closed on Mondays.
Maintain a respectful tone in exhibition areas; casual but neat attire is recommended.
