Creation and Symbolism of the National Congress Palace
Learn about the creation of the Brazilian National Congress Palace by Oscar Niemeyer
Oscar Niemeyer, Israel Pinheiro and Juscelino KubitscheckChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Towards the interior of Brazil
The move of the capital from the coast to the interior of the country was not the result of a new idea. From the 18th century, a transfer of the administrative center to a safer space had been continuously campaigned for by various people.
The beginning of the city's Pilot PlanChamber of Deputies, Brazil
The Decision
On assuming the Presidency of the Republic in 1956, Juscelino Kubitschek brought with him that same ideal and, above all, a firm decision to fulfill it and transform it into what would be his most important political project: the construction of Brasília.
Modernist Forms
Designed by urban planner Lucio Costa, Brasília was built to meet the aspirations of the Brazilian people as a great nation with a prosperous future.
Aerial view of the city's Pilot Plan in construction (1956-1957) by Mario FontenelleChamber of Deputies, Brazil
The First Lines
Starting from two simple axes that meet in the shape of a cross (symbolizing the first gesture of someone taking possession of new land), Lucio Costa designed the urban layout of what, together with the buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, would become the most modern city in the world.
The National Congress Palace
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The Seat of the Legislature
A favorite work of its creator, Oscar Niemeyer, the National Congress Palace assumed a prominent position in the city's design, visually dominating the Esplanade of Ministries, and becoming an icon of the new capital and symbol of its values.
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The Seat of the Legislature
A favorite work of its creator, Oscar Niemeyer, the National Congress Palace assumed a prominent position in the city's design, visually dominating the Esplanade of Ministries, and becoming an icon of the new capital and symbol of its values.
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Centre of Democracy
The National Congress has a privileged location in the Praça dos Três Poderes. Its prominent position in relation to the other palaces in the Square (Planalto Palace and the Federal Supreme Court) shows the importance of Parliament, the forum for debate and law-making.
Croqui do Congresso Nacional de Oscar Niemeyer by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
The Architect's Line
In an attempt to emphasize the importance of the legislative chambers and the debates that take place in them, Niemeyer gave prominence to the domes (of the Chamber and Senate respectively) as ...
Vista aérea do Congresso Nacional em ConstruçãoChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Architectural Design
… the most visually important elements in the composition of the new National Congress, taking the rest of the building to below their level.
Main building as seen from The IV Annex's 10th floor by Rui FaquiniChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Strategic Vision
With the roof of the main building at the level of the Monumental Axis, the architectural design he adopted allows those arriving to see from the road, over the Palace, between the domes, up to the Square.
Horizon line
And also, with two 28-storey towers as annexes, s the hegemony of the complex over the city skyline is assured.
Vista das cúpulas do Congresso Nacional by Rui FaquiniChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Structures of democracy
The concave and convex shapes of each dome were determined by the need to create the galleries, from where the public can follow the debates in the chambers.
Vista das cúpula da Câmara dos Deputados by Rui FaquiniChamber of Deputies, Brazil
House of the People
In the Chamber of Deputies, which represents the people, the gallery is larger and its dome, which functions as an amphitheater, houses a bleacher structure with seating for up to 400.
Cúpulas do Senado e da Câmara dos DeputadosChamber of Deputies, Brazil
House of the People
The Senate, much smaller, has its dome turned downwards so as to form a beautiful vaulted ceiling, completely lined with metal plates, giving grandeur to the atmosphere of debates. It is the work of the artist Athos Bulcão.
A Changing Space
The interior design Project for the Green Hall by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Integration
Oscar Niemeyer's concern was not limited to the Palace's external forms.
Artistic Partnerships
In the initial project or even in later interventions, he paid special attention to detail, inviting artists such as Athos Bulcão, Burle Marx, and Marianne Peretti to create works that integrated with the Palace's architecture.
Furniture designed by Oscar Niemeyer by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Furniture
In addition, Niemeyer gave instructions on how the composition of some environments should be and, together with his daughter, Anna Maria Niemeyer, designed pieces of furniture for the building.
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Furniture designed by Oscar Niemeyer by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Furniture designed by Oscar Niemeyer by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
The interior design Project for the Noble Hall by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
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The challenge
Oscar Niemeyer: Construction Proposal - non conducted - of an access ramp to the National Congress (1998) by Oscar NiemeyerChamber of Deputies, Brazil
New Challenges
After the inauguration of Brasilia, with the advancement of legislative work and the gradual establishment of the capital as the seat of power and decision-making center of the Republic, it became a new challenge to meet the operational needs of the Chamber and Senate.
New Needs
Over time, it became necessary to build new annexes to house legislative and administrative activities. Other architectural proposals were made by Oscar Niemeyer, some of which can be seen in the maquettes in the Green Hall.
Oscar Niemeyer: Construction Proposal - non conducted - of an access ramp to the National Congress (1972)Chamber of Deputies, Brazil
Space in Change
It is important to guarantee the integrity of the ensemble, which is an essential part of the monuments of Brasília, recognized by UNESCO, since 1987, as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Facade of Annex IV by Rui FaquiniChamber of Deputies, Brazil
A Diversified Structure
Over time, new annexes had to be built to house legislative and administrative activity. Currently, the whole complex extends over about 170,000 square meters. The Chamber of Deputies can receive up to 10,000 visitors.
The Candangos
The "candangos" (17-01-1959)Chamber of Deputies, Brazil
The Center of Brazil
Thousands of workers from various parts of the country arrived at the Central Plateau to make the dream of a new capital come true.
Construção da Cúpula do Senado FederalChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Hope of a New Life
Their working routine was arduous and the living conditions difficult. However, these men and women came full of hope, and the adventure of building the new capital meant a new life for them.
The "candangos" (1959-08)Chamber of Deputies, Brazil
50 years in 5
Answering the call of President Juscelino Kubitschek, the so-called "candangos", mostly from the northeastern region, came to Brasília with courage and determination and built a new city in less than five years.
Candangos na área de Construção do Congresso NacionalChamber of Deputies, Brazil
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A Tribute
None of this would have been possible without the labor of the candangos. To honor them, a panel by artist Emiliano Di Cavalcanti was placed in the Green Hall for the workers who came from various parts of the country to build a capital for all Brazilians.
A Surprise: messages from the workers
In one of them, dated April 22, 1959, the worker José Silva Guerra wrote "may the men of tomorrow who come here have compassion for our children, and may the laws be enforced". (2011-08-05) by Leonardo PradoChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Time Capsule
In August 2011, when repairing a leak in an upper part of the building near the Plenary Chamber, the in-house technical team found a sealed container in a gap between slabs. It had been there since the building's inauguration.
If all Brazilians were worthy of honor and honesty, we would have a better Brazil." "We have only one hope in the Brazilians of tomorrow". "Brasília today [...] Brazil tomorrow". (2011-08-05) by Leonardo PradoChamber of Deputies, Brazil
Outside Voices
On the outside walls of the building of the country's legislative headquarters, there are inscriptions bearing messages direct from the people to their representatives; messages from the workers to the leaders of the future.
A Wish for the Future
In one of them, dated April 22, 1959, worker José Silva Guerra wrote "that the men of tomorrow who come here will have compassion for our children, and that the law will be enforced."
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