Palácio do Planalto

Palácio do Planalto is the official residence and government building of the Brazilian presidency at the northern edge of Three Powers Plaza in Brasília. Slender white marble columns support the floating concrete roof, while large glass surfaces connect the interior with the outdoor space.

Oscar Niemeyer designed the seat of the executive branch as part of the new capital inaugurated in 1960. The complex represents Brazil's move into the modern era and the shift of government power to the interior.

The name comes from the high plateau where Brasília sits. The strict geometric lines and open arches shape how the building looks and show how Brazilian modernists combined government and design.

Visitors can enter the building every Sunday between 9.30 am and 2 pm, but advance registration is required. The colonnades are freely accessible, but the office rooms themselves remain closed outside official guided tours.

A shallow reflecting pool surrounds the columns and optically doubles the height of the facade through reflection. This mirroring reinforces the floating impression of the roof and makes the whole structure appear even lighter.

Location: Brasília

Inception: 1960

Architects: Oscar Niemeyer

Official opening: April 21, 1960

Architectural style: modern architecture

Floors above the ground: 4

Floors below the ground: 1

Website: http://blog.planalto.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -15.79900,-47.86083

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:52