A large open public space that houses the headquarters of the three branches of the Brazilian government: the National Congress (legislative branch), the Planalto Palace (executive branch), and the Federal Supreme Court (judicial branch). The Plaza and its surrounding buildings were designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa. At its centre is Bruno Giorgi’s sculpture “Os Candangos,” a tribute to the workers who migrated to build the federal capital. Other attractions around the square include the Nation’s Pantheon, Lúcio Costa Space and the Tea House.
This is the house of the Federal Legislative Branch, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. The palace will host the P20 Summit. Guided tours in Portuguese, English, Spanish or French will be available during the event for the delegations.
This is the headquarters of the Federal Executive and the workplace of the President. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and completed in April 1960, the building houses a significant collection of artworks by various artists representing modernism in Brazil, including Burle Marx, Bruno Giorgi, Di Cavalcanti and Athos Bulcão. Free public visits are available on Sundays from 09:00 to 14:00 and can be booked online
This building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer to serve as home of the highest court of the Brazilian Judiciary. The STF Palace offers free visits, with appointments available no later than 30 days in advance
Designed between 1965 and 1966 by Oscar Niemeyer, the Tea House was created as a meeting point and resting place in the Three Powers Plaza. The building offers an unobstructed view of the horizon, giving a sense of lightness and floating. Recognized as a heritage site by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), it is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 19:00.
Designed by Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1970, the Itamaraty Palace is the headquarters of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). Also known as the Palácio dos Arcos, it was designed to present Brazil to foreign visitors, and is built mainly with national materials. Its halls feature works by both Brazilian and foreign artists with strong ties to the country. Guided tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday in Portuguese, Spanish, French or English. Appointments must be made in advance
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida, commonly known as the Cathedral of Brasilia, is one of architect Oscar Niemeyer’s most celebrated and awarded works. Niemeyer received the Pritzker Prize, the highest honour in world architecture, for this project in 1988. The Cathedral is an iconic example of Brazilian modernism, known for its reinforced concrete structure, harmonious curves and bold shapes.
Located on the Esplanade of Ministries, the National Museum was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and, along with the National Library of Brasilia, forms part of the Cultural Complex of the Republic. The museum hosts various national and international temporary exhibitions, seminars, workshops, film screenings, theatre festivals, and other cultural and social activities. The full programme can be found on social media
Standing at 230 metres, the TV Tower is the second tallest structure in Brazil and one of the most visited landmarks in the federal capital. It features a lookout point 75 metres above the ground, offering stunning panoramic views of the city’s urban layout, including the city’s South and North Wings, framed by Lake Paranoá. Next to the tower is the famous Tower Fair, offering souvenirs and local handicrafts. The TV Tower viewpoint is open for free visits from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 18:45.
The largest urban park in South America, covering 4.2 km² (about 10 times the size of Vatican City), this park is one of Brasilia’s main outdoor leisure centers.
It features sports courts, artificial lakes, an amusement park, an equestrian centre, and trails for walking, skating, and cycling. The park is considered a heritage site of Brasilia.
The Clube do Choro de Brasilia is an association dedicated to promoting and preserving choro, a genre of Brazilian popular music that emerged in Rio de Janeiro in the late 19th century. Located on the Monumental Axis, the club’s current headquarters were designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 2011. In 2008, the Clube de Choro de Brasilia was declared an intangible heritage of Brasilia. The concert schedule can be found at link
A gastronomic complex with a prime view of Brasilia’s Mané Garrincha National Stadium, Mané Market offers a variety of restaurants and bars with inclusive menu options, including gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian and vegan food. It is open Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 23:00, and Sundays from 11:00 to 23:00. For more information
This Brazilian museum, cultural centre and research institution is dedicated to the preservation of Brazil’s indigenous culture. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the building’s architecture is inspired by a Yanomami maloca (an indigenous collective dwelling). Located on the Monumental Axis, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 17:00.
A museum, mausoleum and cultural centre inaugurated in 1987, the JK Memorial was built in tribute to the 21st President of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitschek, under whose government (1956-1961) Brasilia was constructed. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer at the request of Juscelino’s widow, former First Lady Sarah Kubitschek, the memorial houses photos and artefacts from their lives. Located on the Eixo Monumental, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 18:00
This is a leisure centre on the shores of Lake Paranoá, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, created by damming the Paranoá River. South Lake’s Pontão offers various leisure options, including restaurants, bars, kiosks, a children’s playground, exhibitions and sporting events. It is open from 07:00 to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and from 07:00 to 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. More information is available at link
Inaugurated on 12 October 2000, CCBB BrasIlia is located in the Tancredo Neves Building, an architectural masterpiece by Oscar Niemeyer. The centre aims to bring together all forms of art and creativity in one space, offering ample living areas, a bistro, art galleries, a cinema, a theatre, a central square and gardens. The venue hosts exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, performances and more. The programme is available on the website
The Brasilia Botanical Garden is a living museum, featuring themed gardens open to the public. Its mission is to build and maintain plant collections, conduct research, and promote environmental education and leisure activities focused on conserving biodiversity. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 09:00 to 17:00.
Founded in 1962, the standard block was designed by Lucio Costa with landscaping by Burle Marx, tiles by Athos Bulcão, and the Igrejinha [Little Church] and Escola Parque by Oscar Niemeyer. The block follows the original plan’s vision of bringing essential services close to the community. The original model consists of the blocks SQS 107, 108, 307, and 308. At the centre of these four blocks is the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Church, the Igrejinha, designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1958. Its unique shape was inspired by a nun’s hat. Due to its historical and architectural significance, the church was declared a National Historic and Artistic Heritage Site in 2007.
This Catholic church is located in Brasilia’s South Wing. It is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Brasilia’s Cultural Heritage. The church was established by the Salesians in collaboration with the Federal Government, under the inspiration of Don Bosco, the patron saint of Brasilia.
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