How tall is Christ the Redeemer?
The statue is 30 m tall. It stands on a pedestal of 8 m, which gives a total height of 38 m. The 38 m already include the pedestal, so do not add it a second time. The outstretched arms span 28 m, according to a Senate document.
The statue stands on the Corcovado in the Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro. It was inaugurated in 1931 and designed by the engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. This site is an independent guide and has no connection to the sanctuary or the city.
Key figures at a glance
Published values and notes on how far to rely on them.
| Figure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Statue height | 30 m | City tourism office |
| Pedestal | 8 m | Total with pedestal 38 m |
| Arm span | 28 m | Senate document |
| Weight | 635 to about 1,145 tons | Published figures differ, see below |
| Mountain height | 704 to 710 m | Depends on the reference, see below |
| Inauguration | 12 October 1931 | About five years of building |
| Material | Reinforced concrete, soapstone cladding | Not a solid block of stone |
See the statue up close
Trips that include transport and access to the monument, with live prices and availability.
Material and construction
What the statue is made of.
Reinforced concrete under soapstone
The statue is reinforced concrete covered with soapstone, also called steatite or pedra-sabão. It is not carved from a single block. A city report on the 2010 restoration describes the covering as a soapstone mosaic.
A mosaic surface
The soapstone pieces form a mosaic over the concrete. When a restoration is documented, it covers this mosaic, its cleaning and its joints.
Visiting during the works
Since 3 August 2026 the escalators at the monument are out of service and the number of visitors at one time is cut by 50 percent. The statue can still be visited. The tickets page covers booking.
How much does it weigh?
The weight is a good example of a number that varies by source.
Published weights range from 635 metric tons in a reference work to about 1,100 tons on the park page and 1,145 tons in a Senate document. Treat any single number as a rough guide, not as a certified measurement.
The same goes for the height of the mountain. The park gives 704 m for the Corcovado and a reference work gives 710 m. The Senate document cites 709 m as the height at which the statue stands. These figures use different reference points. See the Corcovado page for the mountain.
Quick facts
Short answers to common questions.
Seven Wonders
The park names a 2007 vote for the New Seven Wonders. That is a popular vote, not a UNESCO listing.
The chapel
The chapel of Nossa Senhora Aparecida stands at the foot of the monument and religious services take place there. Show respect when it is in use.
Lightning
Lightning damaged a finger on the right hand in January 2014. There is no reliable figure for strikes per year.
The designer and the story
Heitor da Silva Costa is named as the designer, with Paul Landowski and Albert Caquot as collaborators. The statue was financed by donations, not given by France. The history page has the full story.
Christ the Redeemer facts: frequently asked questions
How tall is the statue?
The statue is 30 m tall. With the 8 m pedestal the total is 38 m. The arm span is 28 m.
How much does Christ the Redeemer weigh?
Published figures range from 635 tons to about 1,145 tons. Treat any single value as approximate.
What is it made of?
Reinforced concrete with a soapstone cladding. It is a mosaic of soapstone pieces, not a solid stone block.
How high is the Corcovado?
The park gives 704 m and a reference work 710 m.
Is it one of the Seven Wonders?
It was voted one of the New Seven Wonders in 2007. That is not a UNESCO title.
Can I visit while the escalators are being replaced?
Yes, the statue can still be visited. Since 3 August 2026 the escalators are out of service, the number of visitors at one time is cut by 50 percent and 80 stone steps lead up above the second level. Booking ahead is sensible.