Celebrate Brazilian Legend's Birthday

The man responsible for outstanding Brazilian architecture, the last surviving founder of the Modernist movement, Oscar Niemeyer, turns 102 years old December 15. The world renowned Brazilian artist is known best for his designs in Brasilia and Rio' de Janeiro but in 102 years, he has done quite a bit of work to leave his mark globally.

Considered one of the most important names in international architecture, Niemeyer continues to work today and his projects invite visits to Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Brasília and Rio de Janeiro to see a number of his works. Below are some of his top attractions throughout his homeland but he also helped to design the United Nations building here in the States.

• Brasilia: Niemeyer was commissioned to design the Brazilian capital which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In just three and a half years, he transformed the area with buildings such as the National Congress Building, Catedral Metropolitana and the Federal Supreme Court.

• Rio de Janeiro: Known for the beautiful tiles outlining Copacabana Beach, the Obra do Berco and the residence on the Estrada das Canoas, Niemeyer also contributed the following architectural pieces to Rio:
  • Niteroi: This small beachside community lies just outside Rio and is home to the People's Theatre and the famous Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum, which looks like a floating saucer hovering over the ocean as designed by Neimeyer.
  • Sambadrome: home of the annual Carnival parade

• São Paulo: Ibirapuera Auditorium and Park, the Duchen factory and the Copan building and are the most well known Niemeyer buildings in São Paulo.

• Minas Gerais: This Brazilian state is famous for their strong culture, especially the architecture, much of which was created by Oscar Niemeyer. Critically acclaimed destinations in this region include the Pampulha architectural complex with a casino and restaurant, the Temple of St. Francis of Assisi and the Hotel de Ouro Preto.