Memorial JK 🇧🇷

When you visit Brasília, you cannot miss the Memorial JK, a striking cultural center, presidential memorial, and mausoleum located along the city's famous Monumental Axis. Designed by master architect Oscar Niemeyer at the request of former First Lady Sarah Kubitschek, this site serves as the final resting place for her husband, Juscelino Kubitschek—the 21st President of Brazil and the visionary who founded the capital city in 1960. Seen from the outside, the building presents an impressive, stark block of white marble with very few openings, dramatically dominated by a pedestal nearly thirty meters high featuring a famous statue of Juscelino created by artist Honório Peçanha.

Inside, you will discover an intimate look into the lives of Juscelino and Sarah through a fascinating collection of personal objects and photographs. You can view the actual presidential sash and the exact clothing worn by the couple during the historic presidential inauguration, alongside the president's tomb itself. Beautiful artistic works by renowned figures such as Athos Bulcão, Marianne Peretti, and elements from Goiás gracefully complement the memorial's rich interior.

It offers a powerful, reflective journey into Brazil’s modern architectural heritage and political history.

What to see at Memorial JK

• Tomb of Juscelino Kubitschek, founder of Brasília
• White marble building designed by Oscar Niemeyer
• Statue by Honório Peçanha on a nearly 30-meter pedestal
• Inauguration clothes and the official presidential sash
• Artworks by Athos Bulcão and Marianne Peretti

Visiting tips

Plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, as the memorial is closed on Mondays.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning or afternoon

How to get there & what’s nearby

Memorial JK is easy to reach on Brasília’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Palácio do Planalto and Palácio da Alvorada. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Brasília travel guide.