Praça dos Cristais, Planalto Atlantico Travel Guide

4.8 (6871)

Discover Praça dos Cristais in Brasília: A modernist landscape with crystal sculptures, reflecting pools, and lush gardens in a serene urban setting.

Praça dos Cristais (Crystal Square), also known as Praça Cívica, is a modernist landscape architecture marvel in Brasília, Brazil, designed by Roberto Burle Marx and Haruyoshi Ono. Inspired by rock crystals from Cristalina, Goiás, the plaza features geometric concrete sculptures mirroring these natural formations, set within a 102,000 square meter space with a reflecting pool and gardens.

A brief summary to Praça dos Cristais

Praça Duque de Caxias, SMU, Brasilia, Brasília, Federal District, BR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Praça dos Cristais.

Visit in the late afternoon for the best sunlight reflections on the crystal structures.
Check for special events or guided tours to learn more about the park's design and history.
Explore the nearby attractions in Brasília to make the most of your visit.

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Explore Praça dos Cristais on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Praça dos Cristais, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Praça dos Cristais

Buy tickets

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Book tours with entry

JK Memorial Bike Tour and Crystal Square

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$65.87

Book tours without entry

No tours available

Getting There

Public Transport

From Brasília Metro, take a train to Estação Praça do Relógio. Transfer to a bus heading to SMU or Praça Duque de Caxias. The bus ride takes 15-20 minutes. After getting off at Praça Duque de Caxias, it's a short walk to Praça dos Cristais. Bus tickets cost approximately R$3.80 , and metro tickets are R$5.50.
Car

Drive towards Praça Duque de Caxias in the SMU neighborhood. From central Pampas, take the BR-060 highway towards Brasília. Street parking is usually available, costing R$2 to R$5 per hour. Be aware of parking fees.

Discover more about Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais, or Crystal Square, is a captivating public space in Brasília, inaugurated in 1970, that exemplifies the city's unique blend of modern architecture and natural beauty. Designed by the renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and his assistant Haruyoshi Ono, the plaza draws inspiration from the rock crystals of Cristalina, Goiás. Marx envisioned a space that encapsulates the geological wealth of Brazil's Central Plateau, creating concrete sculptures that mimic natural crystal formations.The plaza spans 102,000 square meters and is designed as a geometric triangle. A large reflecting pool and lush gardens offer a serene retreat from the urban environment. Originally, the gardens housed 53 plant species, mostly native to the Cerrado biome. While some plants didn't survive, others have thrived, like the 12-meter buriti palm that has been there for nearly 40 years. The reflecting pools have been restored and now feature fish and lighting for nighttime visits.Praça dos Cristais is more than just a visually appealing destination; it's a cultural hub that hosts events and exhibitions. The plaza's open layout encourages social interaction, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers. The integration of nature and design reflects Brasília's modernist ethos.