Palácio do Planalto 🇧🇷

Welcome to the Palácio do Planalto, the official workplace of the President of Brazil. Designed by visionary architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1958 and inaugurated in 1960, this modernist masterpiece sits prominently at the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza) within Brasília’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting this working seat of executive power lets you step inside the heart of Brazilian history and political life.

As you approach, you will admire Niemeyer’s iconic exterior, characterized by sweeping, fine-lined columns, a dramatic entrance ramp, a presidential parlatorium, and a serene reflecting pool filled with Japanese carp. Inside, four above-ground floors reveal a treasure trove of Brazilian modernist heritage. On the first floor, you can view temporary exhibitions, sculptures, and official portraits in the Presidential Gallery.

Moving upward, you will encounter grand spaces like the Noble Room—the palace's largest hall—decorated with Haroldo Barroso's sculpture Evoluções and Djanira da Motta e Silva's painting Os Orixás. Throughout the upper levels, including the presidential office and fourth-floor lounge, you can appreciate rare 1940s to 1960s Brazilian furniture alongside fine artworks by Roberto Burle Marx, Athos Bulcão, and Sergio Rodrigues.

What to see at Palácio do Planalto

• Oscar Niemeyer's modernist architecture featuring a grand entrance ramp and parlatorium
• The Presidential Gallery displaying official portraits of former Brazilian presidents
• The spacious Noble Room featuring the Evoluções sculpture and Os Orixás painting
• A 1,900-cubic-meter security reflecting pool home to Japanese carp
• Exquisite 1940s–1960s Brazilian modernist furniture and artworks by Roberto Burle Marx and Athos Bulcão

Visiting tips

Plan your visit for Sunday between 9:30 am and 2 pm, as public access is restricted to 20-minute guided tours during this specific window.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Sunday morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Palácio do Planalto is easy to reach on Brasília’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Brasília travel guide.