Palácio Itamaraty: Brazil's Palace of Arches

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Discover the Palácio Itamaraty in Brasília: an architectural masterpiece, home to Brazilian diplomacy and modern art.

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Palácio Itamaraty

The Palácio Itamaraty, also known as the Palace of the Arches, is the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brasília. Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1970, it stands as a striking example of modern Brazilian architecture and houses a significant collection of Brazilian art.

A brief summary to Palácio Itamaraty

Zona Cívico-Administrativa BL H, Brasilia, Brasília, Federal District, 70170-900, BR
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Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palácio Itamaraty.

Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Check the official website for tour schedules and availability.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking.
Be prepared for security checks upon entry.
Note that the main ramp is only open for official ceremonies; use the side entrance for regular visits.

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Getting There

Walking

From Brasília's Central Station, walk east along the Ministries Esplanade. The Palácio Itamaraty is located a short distance from the station, on the Esplanada dos Ministérios. The walk is direct and offers views of other prominent government buildings.
Public Transport

Take the metro to Central Station. From there, it is a 15-minute walk to Palácio Itamaraty, located at Zona Cívico-Administrativa BL H. The metro ticket costs R$5.50.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Use a taxi or ride-sharing service from anywhere in Brasília. Input 'Palácio Itamaraty' as the destination. A 20-minute trip from the airport to the city center costs around €7.30 (BRL 40) during the day and €8.70 (BRL 47.50) at night. Taxi fares in Brasilia calculate their fares using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled.

Discover more about Palácio Itamaraty

The Palácio Itamaraty, or Palace of the Arches, is a masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer, serving as the headquarters for Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs since its inauguration in April 1970. Located on the Ministries Esplanade in Brasília, near the Three Powers Plaza, the palace is an iconic structure that reflects Brazil's modern architectural prowess.The palace's design features a colonnade of exposed concrete arches surrounding the building, creating a symmetrical and visually stunning facade. This design, according to Niemeyer, was intended to be a 'correct and generous solution, yet simple, offering greater understanding and sensitivity'. A reflecting pool surrounds the building, featuring the sculpture 'Meteoro' by Bruno Giorgi, carved from a single four-ton block of Carrara marble.The Palácio Itamaraty is not only an architectural marvel but also a repository of Brazilian art and history. The interiors, designed by Milton Ramos, are adorned with works by Brazilian artists, including sculptures by Maria Martins, Victor Brecheret, and Alfredo Ceschiatti, as well as paintings by Portinari, Manabu Mabe, and Alfredo Volpi. The palace also houses the desk used by Princess Isabel to sign the Lei Áurea, which abolished slavery in Brazil in 1888.Today, the Palácio Itamaraty serves as a venue for official receptions and ceremonies for foreign dignitaries. It also functions as a museum, showcasing Brazil's diplomatic history and artistic heritage.