Otis Brazil Completes Elevator Upgrade at Christ the Redeemer Monument
Otis Brazil has completed the modernisation of three elevators at Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, marking an important upgrade for one of the world’s most recognised landmark destinations.
Otis Brazil has completed comprehensive technical upgrades to the three elevators that help carry visitors to Christ the Redeemer, the iconic monument located in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. The elevators support visitor movement at Alto Corcovado for those arriving through the Corcovado Train, making them a key part of the monument’s access infrastructure.
The project comes 22 years after Otis originally installed the elevators and escalators at the site in 2003. Since then, Otis has also been responsible for maintaining the equipment. The latest upgrade is aimed at improving performance, durability and accessibility for the millions of visitors who travel to the monument every year.
What the Elevator Upgrade Includes
As part of the elevator modernisation, the three Otis Gen2 elevators have undergone major technical improvements. The work includes replacement of machinery and controls, along with the installation of new signage, fixtures and buttons.
These changes are designed to support smoother operation, improved reliability and a better visitor experience across the different access levels of Alto Corcovado.
New Escalators and Inclined Elevators Also Planned
The project is not limited to elevators. Otis will also install four new public escalators and two customised inclined elevators at the site.
The new escalators are designed for outdoor environments, while the inclined elevators are being introduced to improve access for visitors with limited mobility, especially those who may not have been able to comfortably use stairs or escalators earlier.
For landmark destinations such as Christ the Redeemer, vertical transportation is not only a support system. It is part of the visitor experience, accessibility planning and long-term public infrastructure.
A Project Linked to Heritage, Tourism and Public Access
The improvement project has been commissioned by Trem do Corcovado, based on a revitalisation plan established by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, known as ICMBio, which manages the national park.
This makes the project a strong example of how vertical transportation systems are becoming an integral part of heritage, tourism and public access planning.
Why This Matters for the Elevator and Escalator Industry
For the elevator and escalator industry, the Christ the Redeemer project highlights a larger shift. Modernisation is no longer only about replacing ageing components in commercial buildings. It is also about keeping high-footfall public landmarks accessible, safe and operational without compromising the experience of visitors.
Tourist destinations such as monuments, museums, hilltop attractions and heritage sites often present complex mobility challenges. Equipment must function reliably under heavy visitor traffic, changing weather conditions and difficult site constraints.
At such locations, elevators and escalators are not simply support systems. They become part of the visitor journey itself.
Accessibility at Public Landmarks
The addition of inclined elevators is especially significant from an accessibility perspective. Public spaces across the world are increasingly expected to serve a wider range of users, including senior citizens, wheelchair users, families with children and people with temporary or permanent mobility limitations.
By improving access at a landmark like Christ the Redeemer, the project reinforces the role of vertical transportation in making public destinations more inclusive.
Otis Brazil Marks 120 Years
Otis Brazil’s work at the monument also comes in a milestone year for the company’s presence in the country. According to Otis, 2026 marks 120 years of its operations in Brazil.
The Christ the Redeemer project therefore adds both technical and symbolic value to its long association with Brazilian infrastructure and public mobility.
Globally, Otis says it moves 2.5 billion people each day and maintains approximately 2.5 million customer units across its service portfolio. Its work spans residential and commercial buildings, transport hubs and landmark structures around the world.
The Bigger Picture
The completion of the elevator upgrade at Christ the Redeemer is a reminder that vertical transportation is essential not only for high-rise buildings, but also for cultural, civic and tourism infrastructure.
As landmark destinations continue to attract large visitor numbers, modernisation of elevators, escalators and inclined mobility systems will remain central to safety, accessibility and long-term operational performance.