Planalto Palace

Planalto Palace is the official working residence of the President of Brazil and is located in the capital of the country. It was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened on April 21, 1960 by President Jucelino Kubitschek. In Brazil, the term Planalto is often used as a metonym for the executive branch.

The presidential palace was one of the main components of the development plan of the new capital. Niemeyer’s idea was to achieve simplicity and modernity using fine lines and waves. This was done by means of peculiar columns adorning the facade of the building.

In 1991, a pool of about 1,635 square meters was built around the palace in order to improve safety and balance humidity levels during the long dry season in Brazil. There are Japanese carp in the pool.

The palace complex includes 5 buildings. The main building consists of 4 above-ground floors and one underground, there is a helipad. The hall is often used for temporary exhibitions. The rooms are decorated with sculptures and paintings.

The palace is open for public visits on Sundays, from 9:30 to 14:00.