The statue was unveiled on December 8, 2014, exactly 20 years after Tom Jobim's passing.
Sculptor Christina Motta previously created a famous sculpture of Brigitte Bardot for the town of Búzios.
The statue is positioned facing the sea, mirroring the direction Jobim often walked when seeking inspiration on the beach.
The installation was a city-led initiative to celebrate the cultural legacy of the Bossa Nova genre in Rio de Janeiro.
The location, Arpoador, is historically significant as the birthplace of the 'Girl from Ipanema' inspiration.
The Estátua de Tom Jobim is a life-size bronze sculpture located on the Ipanema beachfront, honoring the legendary Brazilian composer and co-author of 'The Girl from Ipanema'. Unveiled in 2014 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of his death, the statue depicts Jobim walking along the beach with his guitar slung over his shoulder. The artwork was created by sculptor Christina Motta and is cast in bronze. It is situated directly on the Arpoador boardwalk, an area intrinsically linked to the Bossa Nova movement. The sculpture is a permanent outdoor public art installation accessible at all times. It serves as a tribute to the man who helped bring Brazilian music to international prominence.
From the side, capturing both the statue and the Arpoador coastline in the background.
Visit during the late afternoon to experience the sunset at Arpoador right after viewing the statue.
The area can be crowded, so arrive early on weekends to take photos without large groups in the background.
Combine this visit with a walk through the neighboring Garota de Ipanema park for further musical history.
Do not leave personal belongings unattended while taking photos, as the beachfront area is a common spot for opportunistic petty theft.
