In 2026, the Federal Justice Cultural Center (CCJF), located in the historic Cinelândia neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, commemorates 25 years since its transformation into a major cultural center. To celebrate this milestone, a commemorative medal was created, incorporating architectural, historical, and artistic elements that represent the institution's identity.
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The cultural legacy of the Federal Justice Cultural Center
The building that currently houses the CCJF was solemnly inaugurated on April 3, 1909. Originally conceived as the headquarters of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), it played a fundamental role in Brazil's legal history until the transfer of the federal capital to Brasilia in 1960.
Designed by architect Adolpho Morales de Los Ríos, the building is considered one of the finest examples of eclectic architecture in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to its architectural significance, it was the site of historic legal proceedings, including the habeas corpus petitions of Senator Rui Barbosa in 1914 and Olga Benário in 1936.
Since its conversion into a cultural center, the CCJF has established itself as a space open to the public that hosts exhibitions, theater, music, dance, film, courses, seminars and conferences, promoting democratic access to culture.
A medal to commemorate 25 years
As part of the celebrations, the Federal Justice Cultural Center, in collaboration with the Brazilian Mint, developed a commemorative medal that will be accompanied by a Certificate of Cultural Merit to recognize personalities, authorities and friends of the institution.
Its design takes inspiration from two of the most representative elements of the building: the large rose window of yellow and green stained glass and the figure of the Roman goddess Iustitia, a universal symbol of justice.
Medal design
Obverse
The obverse features the CCJF logo at the center of a design inspired by the building's iconic stained-glass rose window. This element was reproduced using pad printing to represent the characteristic yellow and green colors that distinguish the cultural center's architecture.
The Latin inscriptions appear on the edge:
“IMAGO CULTURE EST CUIUS SUMUS • EST PARS NOSTRI, EST IN NOBIS”
The phrase can be translated as:
“Culture is a reflection of who we are, it is part of us, it is within us.”
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Reverso
The reverse side is inspired by various architectural elements of the building, incorporating the effigy of Justice, ornamental leaves and decorative details that evoke the carvings of the monumental doors of the cultural palace.
On the right is the CCJF logo again, accompanied by the inscription:
“POPULI CULTURE • MAXIMUM BENEFICIUM EST”
This expression means:
“The culture of the people is the greatest benefit.”
The legends were crafted with textured relief and sunken areas under a patina that highlights the design details. The logo of the Brazilian Mint also appears as a complement to the composition.
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Technical Specifications
The medal was minted in bronze with a composition of 95% copper and 5% zinc.
Its features include:
- Material: Bronze.
- Composition: Cu 95% and Zn 5%.
- Weight: 55 ± 1,65 grams.
- Diameter: 50 ± 0,2 mm.
- Print run: 200 copies.
- Year of issue: 2026.
The artistic design of the obverse was done by Ricardo Horta, while the reverse was created by Glória Dias. The modeling of both sides was done by Luiz Henrique Peixoto and Fernanda Costa.
With a limited production of only 200 copies, this medal represents a piece of special interest for those who collect cultural issues, institutional medals or pieces related to the architecture and history of Brazil.
In addition to its limited print run, it stands out for integrating direct references to the architectural heritage of the CCJF and for conveying, through its Latin inscriptions, the institution's commitment to the dissemination of culture.
The commemorative medal for the 25th anniversary of the Federal Justice Cultural Center transcends its function as a collector's item. Its design brings together history, architecture, art, and symbolism in a limited edition that pays homage to one of Rio de Janeiro's most iconic cultural spaces. For collectors of commemorative and institutional medals, it is a piece that documents an important chapter of Brazilian cultural heritage.
Find out all the details about this medal on the official website:
https://clubedamedalha.com.br/25-anos-ccjf
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