Showing 1-15 of 15 results
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Biblioteca Nacional
The massive exterior of the new working national library, Biblioteca Nacional, is finished, though city planners were rushing to fill its walls with the promised 60 years of books during our visit.
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Catedral Metropolitana
With its 16 curved columns and its wavy stained-glass interior, the Catedral Metropolitana is heavenly viewing, though it's a shame some of its stained glass has been allowed to fall into disrepair. At the entrance are the haunting Four Disciples statues carved by Ceschiatti, who also made the aluminum angels hanging inside.
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Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
Brasília's most important contemporary museum, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is in a giant building in the Setor de Clubes Esportivos Sul. It houses fascinating exhibitions in two galleries, an indie cinema, a café and bookstore. There is a free bus every hour from Hotel Nacional (look for the white and yellow bus that says CCBB).
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Congresso Nacional
Featuring the photogenic 'dishes' and twin towers, the congress building, Congresso Nacional, is one of the more interesting buildings on the inside as well. In addition to the color-coded chambers of the Senate (blue) and House of Representative (green) - so '60's gauche - there is an architecturally interesting 'Tunnel of Time' and an exhibit of antique senate benches and microphones from 1867. English tours are available by appointment.
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Memorial JK
The tomb of JK (President Juscelino Kubitschek) lies underneath eerily beautiful stained-glass by French artist Marianne Peretti inside the Memorial JK. The museum houses JK's 3000-book strong personal library as well as a pictorial history of Brasília. Don't miss JK's 1973 Ford Galaxie just outside the back door.
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Museu Nacional
Museu Nacional. Another spherical half dome by Niemeyer, the inside features a discreet mezzanine mostly held up by columns suspended from the roof. A signature curved ramp juts out from its base and runs around the outside like a ring of Saturn.
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Palácio da Justiça
Outside the Palácio da Justiça, water cascades between its arches into a koi fish pond; inside is a lovely internal garden. Don't show up in shorts or Havaianas.
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Palácio do Itamaraty
Palácio do Itamaraty is home to the Foreign Ministry and one of the most impressive buildings - a series of arches towering over a reflecting pool and floating gardens landscaped by Burle Marx. Its rooms are tastefully decorated with antiques and art objects.
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Palácio do Planalto
The president's office, the Palácio do Planalto, is another Niemeyer design that's worth seeing, both inside and out. From the curved lines of the exterior to the lustrous columns and sweeping curved ramp inside, it's one of the best examples of architectural Modernism in the world. On the tour, which is only available on Sundays, you can even peek into the President's office.
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Parque da Cidade
A good park not far from the city center is the Parque da Cidade, where you'll find a swimming pool with artificial waves and kiosks where you can grab a snack.
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Parque Nacional de Brasília
In the northern reaches of the city limits, the 30,000-hectare Parque Nacional de Brasília is a good place to relax. It has natural swimming pools and is home to a number of endangered animals, including deer, banded anteaters, giant armadillos and maned wolves. Bus No 128.1 from the city bus station goes past the front gate. The park is very popular on weekends. There's a visitors' center where you can get information about the park and walking trails.
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Praça dos Trés Poderes
Down in the cockpit, you'll find the most interesting buildings surrounding the Praça dos Trés Poderes. It's a synthesis of the ideas of architects Niemeyer and Costa, combining various monuments, museums and federal buildings. The space includes striking sculptures including Bruno Giorgi's Os Candangos , Alfredo Ceschiatti's A Justiça and Niemeyer's O Pombal .
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Santuário Dom Bosco
Even more impressive than Catedral Metropolitana, the Santuário Dom Bosco is made of concrete columns that support 7400 pieces of illuminated Murano glass symbolizing a starry sky. It casts an otherworldly blue and purple glow over the whole interior. It's near the budget hotels at Quadra 702.
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Templo da Boa Vontade
The Templo da Boa Vontade (Temple of Goodwill) was created by the Legion of Goodwill in 1989 as a symbol of universal solidarity. It incorporates seven pyramids, joined to form a cone that is topped with the biggest raw crystal you will ever see. Inside there's a meditative space.
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TV Tower
The 75m-high observation deck of the TV Tower is the second-best place to get a bird's-eye view of the city (after a helicopter ride), but it's still not tall enough to really get a sense of the city's airplane design. That's not a favela at its base; a handicrafts fair runs on weekends and holidays.
Showing 1-15 of 15 results
