115 years of Oscar Niemeyer: remember his main works!

Oscar Niemeyer Ribeiro Soares Filho is undoubtedly the greatest name in Brazilian architecture today. In his 104 years of life , he left a legacy of more than 600 works spread throughout the world. Graduated in engineering and architecture at the School of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro, he worked at Lúcio Costa's office where he met his partner in the building for the Ministry of Education and Public Health , Le Courbusier. We have selected this and other works by Oscar Niemeyer to help you learn about or remember his main works . Check it out!

1- Ministry of Education and Public Health

Located in Rio de Janeiro, the building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, who had just graduated from college. The year was 1936 and the French architect Le Courbusier was in charge of the project. Niemeyer created a sketch for the project to "pass the time", but the idea ended up being pleasing. The Brazilian architect's plan was to place the building in the middle of the land and increase the height of the pilotis from four to ten meters and place the exhibition block and the auditorium on the mezzanine floor between them instead of leaving the first floor - which was the initial idea.

2- Copan

The Copan is one of the most famous works of modernist architecture in São Paulo. Commissioned in 1951 by the city government to commemorate the city's fourth centenary - which would be celebrated 3 years later - Niemeyer dared again and created a curved building that stood out (and continues to stand out) in relation to the other buildings. Despite the expectations, for financial reasons the Copan was only delivered in 1966. Due to several changes in the project, Niemeyer gave up the construction, which was passed on to the architect Carlos Lemo. Therefore, only the external part was credited to Niemeyer.

3- Pampulha

Opened in 1943, the Pampulha Church is one of the famous works of architect Oscar Niemeyer . It was commissioned at the time by Juscelino Kubitschek, then mayor of Belo Horizonte . Always ahead of his time, the Brazilian architect used his trademark and created a modern construction using the volatile aspect of concrete. For many years, the church was criticized by religious people for its unorthodox design. However, today it is visited and considered a true jewel in the heart of Minas Gerais.

4- Latin America Memorial

One of the most famous convention centers in São Paulo was also created by Oscar Niemeyer. The project was born with the aim of creating a project that would serve as a hub for social, cultural and political integration of Latin American countries . The invitation to Niemeyer came from the then governor of the state of São Paulo, Orestes Quércia.

5- United Nations Headquarters, UN

Located in Manhattan, the building that still serves as the UN headquarters today had the participation of great names in world architecture led by the American Wallace Harrison. And of course, with such an ambitious proposal, Niemeyer couldn’t be left out! Among the 50 projects submitted by experts from around the world, Oscar Niemeyer's project was chosen for being the "most interesting". The building was completed on August 21, 1950.

6- National Congress

The monument emphatically reflects Niemeyer's modernism , with wavy shapes and symmetry.

7- Ibirapuera Park

- Ibirapuera Park is home to five connected cultural buildings, each with a strong modern architectural influence. Commissioned by the then governor of the state of São Paulo, Lucas Nogueira , in 1951, the proposal was to create a public park so that visitors could appreciate true works of art and architecture as well as have a place to rest and gather. Today, Ibirapuera Park is one of the best known and most visited in São Paulo, hosting audiences of all ages, cultural activities, exhibitions, and much more!

8- Canoe House

Casa das Canoas was the residential project of architect Oscar Niemeyer for his own home, where he lived for 10 years. The space is considered one of the most significant examples of modern Brazilian architecture . The project is located in São Conrado, in Rio de Janeiro, and is considered one of the main Brazilian modern architecture projects. Today, the house is open to visitors and contains a small shop selling books related to Niemeyer's work and philosophy and a cozy space called Canoas Café .

9- Mondadori Publishing House

The headquarters of the Italian publishing house Mondadori also benefited from the creativity and talent of the Brazilian architect. Commissioned by Georgio Mondadori , the company's president, in 1968, the building was intended to be strongly inspired by the Itamaraty Palace. Oscar Niemeyer , however, deviated from the project and in a few days created a five-story office suspended from the roof beams. The result was a true work of art, which Niemeyer was proud to say was his most glorious project in Europe.

10- Cathedral of Brasilia

The Cathedral of Brasília is one of the most renowned projects in Niemeyer's portfolio . After all, the building is a true work of art, with an attractive architecture from the inside out. The project earned the architect the Pritzker Prize in 1988 - the highest recognition for professionals in the field. The church is located in Praça de Acesso , next to Esplanada dos Ministérios .

11- Anhembi Sambadrome

One of the most festive places that hosts the São Paulo Carnival , the Anhembi Sambadrome , was also the work of Oscar Niemeyer . Designed in 1991, the 100,000 m² of occupied area houses ten sectors: grandstands, track, boxes, dressing rooms and two show arenas, which every year feature the participation of the biggest samba schools in São Paulo. In addition, the Sambadrome also serves as a stage for sporting events, such as Formula Indy.

12- Museum of Contemporary Art of Niterói

The shape of the Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art does not deny Niemeyer's authorship! It is a very modern monument that attracts the attention of those who visit the city of Rio. The 16-meter-high museum is divided into six sectors. A large concrete ramp takes visitors to the entrances and upper floors , across 98 meters of free space. In addition to creating a renowned space to host exhibitions, the Brazilian architect was concerned with creating an experience for visitors , providing an impeccable view of Guanabara Bay .