Itamaraty Palace, Governmental palace in Brasilia, Brazil
Itamaraty Palace is the seat of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Three Powers Plaza in Brasília and features a rectangular structure with expansive glass walls. A large reflective water pool surrounds the building and emphasizes the modern architectural design.
Oscar Niemeyer designed the building between 1962 and 1970 to house Brazil's diplomats following the relocation of the capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília. Burle Marx planned the landscaping around the water pool as part of a collaboration with the architect.
The main hall features a marble spiral staircase connecting two floors of ceremonial rooms. The walls display ceramic tiles by Brazilian artist Athos Bulcão and paintings by generations of Brazilian artists in the corridors and waiting areas.
Guided tours run Tuesday through Friday and let visitors explore the interior spaces and see over 600 artworks on display. The building stands about 10 minutes on foot from the central bus hub of the Three Powers Plaza and faces directly onto the main diplomatic quarter.
The concrete arches rise about 8 meters (26 feet) above the water level and create a covered walkway around the building. Roberto Burle Marx incorporated an island with tropical plants at the center of the water pool to add texture and color to the classical symmetry.
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