Francisco Brenand Sculpture Park, Open-air museum in Marco Zero district, Recife, Brazil.
Francisco Brenand Sculpture Park is an open-air collection on a river island in the center of Recife. Ninety ceramic and bronze sculptures appear along paths and grass, including a tower taller than 100 feet (32 meters) covered in glazed tiles.
The park opened in 2000 when Brazil celebrated the anniversary of European contact. Two decades later, the city restored the surfaces to protect them from river moisture and weathering.
Each sculpture reflects elements of Pernambuco traditions through artist Francisco Brennand's interpretation of regional myths and folklore.
You can reach the site by small boat from the Marco Zero pier or walk across from Avenida Brasília Teimosa. Admission is free and the grounds open every day except Monday.
The ceramic surfaces shift color through the day because the artist mixed different glazes and firing methods. Some pieces carry engraved poems and symbols visible only up close.
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