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Sítio Roberto Burle Marx: A Living Work of Art

Discover the landscape masterpiece of Roberto Burle Marx in Rio de Janeiro, a UNESCO World Heritage site blending art and tropical nature.

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Explore the former home and landscape laboratory of Roberto Burle Marx, the renowned Brazilian landscape architect. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases his innovative approach to garden design, blending modernist ideas with native tropical plants across a sprawling estate in Barra de Guaratiba.

A brief summary to Sítio Roberto Burle Marx - IPHAN

  • Estr. Roberto Burle Marx, 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Barra de Guaratiba, State of Rio de Janeiro, 23020-240, BR
  • +55212410-1412
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Book your visit in advance, as tours are scheduled and have limited capacity.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking, and bring insect repellent.
  • Photography is allowed, but professional photography and filming require prior authorization.
  • The site has limited parking, so plan accordingly.
  • Combine your visit with a seafood meal in Barra de Guaratiba, known for its gastronomic center specializing in seafood.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rio de Janeiro, take public transportation to Barra de Guaratiba. From the Barra de Guaratiba bus terminal, take bus line 867 towards the Sítio Roberto Burle Marx. The ride is short, and the bus stops close to the entrance. A single bus fare within Rio de Janeiro typically costs around R$4.05.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Barra de Guaratiba, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Uber) is a convenient way to reach the Sítio Roberto Burle Marx. The ride is approximately 6 minutes and costs around R$22. Input 'Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019, Barra de Guaratiba' as the destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow Estrada Roberto Burle Marx to the Sítio. Limited parking is available on-site. Be aware of 'flanelinhas' (unofficial parking attendants) who may charge varying amounts for parking in the area. Using official parking lots is recommended.

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Discover more about Sítio Roberto Burle Marx - IPHAN

Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, located in Barra de Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, is more than just a garden; it's a living testament to the genius of Roberto Burle Marx, one of the most important landscape architects of the 20th century. The site served as his home and a landscape laboratory where he experimented with fusing Modernist artistic ideas with native tropical plants, creating breathtaking garden designs that are living works of art. Originally known as Fazenda or Engenho da Bica, the property's history dates back to 1681. Burle Marx and his brother acquired the first portion of land in 1949, seeking a space with diverse soils, rocks, abundant water, and protection from property speculation. Over the decades, Burle Marx transformed the area into a stunning landscape, monitoring the acclimatization and development of over 3,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. The Sítio features sinuous forms, mass plantings, architectural arrangements of plants, and dramatic color contrasts, all influenced by traditional Portuguese-Brazilian folk culture. In 1985, Burle Marx donated the site to the Brazilian government to ensure the continuation of research and the sharing of this unique space with society. Today, managed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN), the Sítio is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for garden and art enthusiasts. A visit to the Sítio includes a guided walk through the gardens, the house, and the workspaces used by Roberto Burle Marx. The house displays a collection of over 3,000 items including art and craft objects.

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