The opening of Casa Brasil, which is located in the heart of the capital, was also attended by several dignitaries headed by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge and Carlos Nuzman, the President of both Rio 2016 and the BOC.

With Rio following London as the next Summer Olympic host city, Casa Brasil is aiming to promote the country ahead of the Games by offering the chance to experience Brazilian culture.

"I am delighted to visit Casa Brasil here in London," said Rousseff, whose high profile visit to Britain has included a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron.

Dilma Rousseff and David Cameron at their meeting inside 10 Downing Street

"It gives me great pleasure to see Brazil represented at the London 2012 Games in this very special way.

"This project makes all Brazilians proud and I would encourage everyone to visit the extraordinary exhibitions that are hosted in Casa Brasil.

"I am confident that the spirit of Casa Brasil in London will be a great platform to show that we can host a wonderful Games in Rio and we look forward to welcoming the world in 2016."

For the duration of London 2012, Casa Brasil is hosting contemporary exhibitions and events which look to promote Brazil, Brazilian sport and the Rio 2016 Games.

It will also serve as an area where Brazilian trade, investment and tourism agencies will network and foster business relationships.

Somerset House's main courtyard will be transformed to host a series of music performances while Casa Brasil will also be showcasing 12 feature films and 20 short films that will be seen for the first time in London, presenting the most recent works made by Rio's youngest and most talented generation of filmmakers.

"As we prepare to host the Games after London, Casa Brasil will be even more important in showcasing our Olympic project, Brazilian culture, the country as a tourist destination and the new business opportunities it can offer," said Nuzman.

"We want visitors in London to get the first feel of a vibrant and transformed Rio, and we want them to be excited about coming to our city for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016."
The entrance lobby to Casa Brasil

Casa Brasil's main cultural exhibition, which opened to the public earlier this month, is entitled, From the Margin to the Edge: Brazilian Art and Design in the 21st Century, and will be open until September 8.

Curated by internationally renowned Brazilian art historian Rafael Cardoso and designed by famous Brazilian film director Daniela Thomas, this exhibition of contemporary art and design expresses Brazil's cultural offering.

A part of the exhibition also features the story of Rio 2016, from the moment the bid was won in Copenhagen in 2009 through to its vision and plans for hosting the Games.

Members of the public will also be able to get a birds-eye view of Rio as they can have a paraglide flight simulation ride over the city.

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