Listed as cultural heritage since 1991, Regina Simonis House of Arts highlights its cultural importance and preservation.

Located in downtown Santa Cruz do Sul, at 651, on the corner of Júlio de Castilhos Street and Marechal Floriano Street is Regina Simonis House of Arts. It has been home to the City’s Pro-Culture Association since 1993.

The building is a former bank branch of Banco Pelotense which was opened in 1922. It has an eclectic style with neoclassical elements, and in 1995, in recognition of the first female artist from Santa Cruz to obtain a degree in painting from the Institute of Fine Arts, the Association’s headquarters was renamed “Regina Simonis House of Arts” or in portuguese “Casa das Artes Regina Simonis”.

Although the author of the house’s architectural design is a mystery, since the project of the bank branch has never been found, the building itself is remarkable. An impressive main door that opens up to the corner of the street and two levels of high ceilings make a grand building’s façade. The first floor contains the exhibition room, which also uses the old vault for smaller exhibitions. Going up the marble staircase, you can find the rooms that once served as the bank manager’s residence.

On the façade of the building there is a set of statues, symmetrically arranged on the balcony, adding a special touch to the historic and artistic character of the building. The building is currently property of the State.

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