Roberto Burle Marx was a painter, an architect, he designed tapestries, costumes and jewelry. In addition to being an artist, he was also a visionary. Before Roberto began to create in the architecture of South America, European styles in gardens prevailed, both in terms of their organization and the use of plants. Burle Marx, however, was interested in asymmetrical designs and the inclusion of local, tropical species. The great work of this artist came to the fore especially during the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. His masterpiece was seen by millions of visitors - perhaps the most famous work of Burle Marx, is the promenade at Copacabana Beach. The artist used a black-and-white Portuguese pavement for his graphic and oscillating design, an original feature that he enhanced with his redesign.
The former home and studio of Burle Marx is open to the public. It is fascinating to see how the artist lived and worked, as well as to look at his property, which, in addition to the main building and garden, contains a village house and a chapel from the 17th century.
The property includes, in addition to an outstanding botanical and landscape collection, seven buildings, five reflective pools and a museum collection of more than three thousand objects, which is the largest and most important place where works by Robert Burle Marx, world-renowned for designing tropical gardens - paradigms in global landscape - as well as extensive production in the field of visual arts in various means of expression: graphics, serigraphy, drawings, sculptures, tapestries, ceramic tiles, jewelry, stages and costumes for the theater, among others.
The property is located in Barra de Guaratiba, a district of the western zone of the city. The estate on which Burle Marx lived and created his works for the last twenty years of his life was - and continues to be - a great laboratory for experimentation: over 3.500 species of tropical and subtropical plants, organized in nurseries and gardens, coexist with indigenous surface vegetation of 405.000 square meters which includes several buildings, lakes, gardens, art collections, etc.
In addition to the works produced by Burle Marx, three other objects have been preserved in its center: the artist's library; building along with furniture and personal belongings. Definitely a place you should visit although it may not be among the first on the list of attractions that you are advised to visit while in Rio.
Ticket price for Roberto Burle Marx center
Regular ticket price: 10 BRL
Reduced ticket price: 5 BRL - for students and pensioners
Free entrance for children up to 5 years.
Opening hours of Roberto Burle Marx Center
Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m
