Truncated pyramid
A unique form.
Daderot — CC0 · Frederico Veloso — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Besserwisser123 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · paulisson miura from Cuiabá, Brasil — CC BY 2.0 · Dmcaldeira19 — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cláudio Santoro National Theatre is a multi-theatre complex in Brasília designed by Oscar Niemeyer in the modernist style as a truncated pyramid, the largest building Niemeyer designed in Brasília for the arts. Construction began on 30 July 1960 and the structure was complete by January 1961, then work stopped until 1966; the Martins Pena hall opened on 21 April 1966, and the whole complex was finished in 1979 with a concert conducted by the composer Cláudio Santoro, after whom it is named. The complex holds three halls: the large Villa-Lobos hall with 1,407 seats, the Martins Pena with 407 and the small Alberto Nepomuceno with 60, plus an exhibition gallery. Its side walls are clad in projecting geometric blocks designed by the artist Athos Bulcão, whose shadows shift with the sun. The theatre closed for renovation in 2014; after ten years the Martins Pena hall reopened in December 2024, while the great Villa-Lobos hall is still under works. The building can be seen from the Monumental Axis at any time, and performances in the Martins Pena are ticketed by programme.
A unique form.
Shifting shadows.
Open since 2024.
Eixo Monumental, near the central bus station, Brasília
National Museum of the RepublicThe National Museum of the Republic is the white dome on the Esplanada dos Minis9 minutes walk4.6
Cathedral of BrasíliaThe Cathedral of Brasília is one of Oscar Niemeyer's boldest buildings, designed12 minutes walk4.9
Esplanada dos MinistériosThe Esplanade of the Ministries is the heart of Brazil's capital, Brasília, the 15 minutes walk
Brasília TV TowerThe Brasília TV Tower is a broadcast tower 224 metres high, opened in 1967 on th16 minutes walk4.6
Dom Bosco SanctuaryThe Dom Bosco Sanctuary, a Catholic church in Brasília's Asa Sul, is famous for 22 minutes walk4.8The Martins Pena hall reopened in December 2024; the large Villa-Lobos hall is still under works.