“Delírios e Brilhos da Sapucaí” opens Jan 22 at ABAC in downtown Rio, featuring around 150 of Milton Cunha’s iconic suits with free admission.
Presenter and carnival researcher Milton Cunha will showcase part of his wardrobe archive in the exhibition “Delírios e Brilhos da Sapucaí.” The show gathers iconic suits worn by the commentator across appearances and events. In addition, the exhibition is curated by Célia Domingues.
The curatorial proposal offers an artistic and anthropological view of costume as a language. This way, the suits are framed as extensions of Cunha’s body and performance. The exhibition opens on Thursday, January 22, with free admission.
Curatorial approach and visual identity
According to ABAC’s vice-president, Milton Cunha became a key reference in Brazilian carnival culture. She highlights his exuberance as a defining trait. In addition, she notes that sparkle and bold prints are part of his recognizable signature.
“Milton is synonymous with joy and exuberance, and today it is impossible to talk about carnival without referencing him. The suits bring his essence and irreverence through sparkle and prints that have become his signature.”
Célia Domingues frames the pieces as part of a broader narrative. She describes the costumes as visual statements tied to belonging and memory. In this manner, the curatorship reinforces carnival as cultural heritage.
“These suits are not just clothes. They are visual statements—narratives of belonging, memory, and a celebration of carnival as cultural heritage.”
What visitors will see
The exhibition runs from January 22 to February 10 at ABAC – Associação Brasileira de Artes Carnavalescas. Visitors can see around 150 costumes worn by Milton Cunha over recent years. In addition, the pieces are connected to television appearances, cultural events, and key moments in his public trajectory.
The wardrobe became inseparable from the commentator’s public identity. Thus, the show highlights details in tailoring, materials, and prints associated with carnival culture. Finally, the exhibition proposes costume as a form of performance.
ABAC and Reviver Cultural
The Academia Brasileira de Artes Carnavalescas is part of the city’s Reviver Cultural initiative. At the venue, free events and workshops aim to preserve carnival memory. In addition, the institution promotes major figures linked to the celebration.
The headquarters is located at Travessa do Ouvidor, number 9, in downtown Rio. This way, the exhibition joins the area’s cultural circuit. Visiting follows ABAC’s opening hours.
Service
Exhibition: “Delírios e Brilhos da Sapucaí”
Dates: Jan 22 to Feb 10
Venue: ABAC – Academia Brasileira de Artes Carnavalescas
Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Age rating: all ages
Admission: free
Address: Travessa do Ouvidor, 9 – Downtown Rio de Janeiro