Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida
Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida: A Modernist Masterpiece
Espaço Lucio Costa: A Tribute to Brasília's Visionary
Explore the vision of Lúcio Costa at this underground museum showcasing the original plan for Brazil's capital city, Brasília.
Espaço Lucio Costa, located beneath the Praça dos Três Poderes, honors Lúcio Costa, the urban planner behind Brasília's Pilot Plan. The museum showcases the original urban plan for Brasília through exhibits, photographs, and a large model of the city.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Espaço Lucio Costa
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Tuesday
9 am-6 pm
Wednesday
9 am-6 pm
Thursday
9 am-6 pm
Friday
9 am-6 pm
Saturday
9 am-5 pm
Sunday
9 am-5 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From anywhere on the Praça dos Três Poderes, Espaço Lucio Costa is easily accessible by foot. Look for the Brazilian flag and the Tancredo Neves Pantheon; the museum entrance is located near the plaque commemorating Brasília as a Monument of Humanity. The entrance is marked by a wide staircase framed by concrete triangles. Admission is free.
Public Transport
From Brasília's central areas, take the Metro to the Central Station or the Constituição station. From either station, it's a short walk to the Esplanada dos Ministérios and then to Praça dos Três Poderes. Follow the signs to the plaza. Once at the plaza, look for the Brazilian flag and the Tancredo Neves Pantheon; the museum entrance is located near the plaque commemorating Brasília as a Monument of Humanity. The entrance is marked by a wide staircase framed by concrete triangles. A single metro fare costs around R$3.50.
Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Brasília. Request a ride to Praça dos Três Poderes. Upon arrival at the plaza, the Espaço Lucio Costa is located near the Brazilian flag and the Tancredo Neves Pantheon. Look for the wide staircase framed by concrete triangles that marks the museum entrance. A short taxi or ride-share trip from the city center to the Praça dos Três Poderes typically costs between R$20 and R$30.
Local tips
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Visit during the week for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to be busier with local visitors.
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Check the museum's schedule for any special events, workshops, or guided tours that may enrich your visit.
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Take advantage of the outdoor spaces around the museum for picturesque views of the Praça dos Três Poderes, especially at sunset.
Discover more about Espaço Lucio Costa
Espaço Lucio Costa is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Lúcio Costa, the architect and urban planner who won the national competition to design Brasília's Pilot Plan. Opened in 1992, the museum is located beneath the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza) and is part of the Centro Cultural Três Poderes. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the museum serves as a tribute to Costa's vision and Brasília's construction.
The museum's centerpiece is the large-scale model of Brasília as it existed in 1987, updated in 2007 to include newer constructions such as the JK Bridge. Surrounding the model is a gallery displaying copies of Costa's original sketches and the Pilot Plan report presented to the international jury in 1957. Historical photos documenting the city's construction and inauguration are also on display. The exhibits provide insight into the principles of Brazilian modernism and the urban development methods employed in creating the capital.
Espaço Lucio Costa offers visitors a chance to delve into the history and conceptualization of Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum is discreetly built underground to not interfere with the plaza's aesthetics. It features accessibility for wheelchair users and a tactile model for visually impaired visitors.
A brief summary to Espaço Lucio Costa
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