The white dome
A perfect half-sphere.
Florian Knorn — CC BY 3.0 · Heloisa Amadeu Fernandes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cayambe — CC BY-SA 3.0 lu
The National Museum of the Republic is the white dome on the Esplanada dos Ministérios, between the central bus station and the cathedral. Oscar Niemeyer designed it in the final decades of his life: a perfect half-sphere about 80 metres across, reached by a prominent ramp, which some compare to a spaceship. A museum was planned here from the founding of Brasília, but building only began in 1999. It opened on 15 December 2006, Niemeyer's 99th birthday, with an exhibition on his work, and the National Library next door opened the same day, the two forming the Complexo Cultural da República. It is named after Honestino Guimarães, a student leader who disappeared in 1973 under the dictatorship. It hosts changing exhibitions, entry is free, and the outdoor area is open at all hours.
A perfect half-sphere.
A bold way in.
Free of charge.
Esplanada dos Ministérios, Southern Cultural Sector, Brasília
Cathedral of BrasíliaThe Cathedral of Brasília is one of Oscar Niemeyer's boldest buildings, designed4 minutes walk4.9
Itamaraty PalaceThe Itamaraty Palace is the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs15 minutes walk4.8
National Congress of BrazilThe National Congress is the best-known building of Brasília, the capital planne19 minutes walk4.2
Brasília TV TowerThe Brasília TV Tower is a broadcast tower 224 metres high, opened in 1967 on th22 minutes walk4.6
Dom Bosco SanctuaryThe Dom Bosco Sanctuary, a Catholic church in Brasília's Asa Sul, is famous for 23 minutes walk4.8Yes, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-18:30, and the outdoor area is always open.