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Brazilian Modernism

Where: Brazil
June 13, 2006 at 8:45 AM | by | Comments (0)


Brasilia, the capital city that defines and enshrines the ideal of a modern (thus wonderfully dated) capital city, deservedly hogs the limelight when it comes to the subject of Brazilian modernism.


That acknowledged, two particularly remarkable temples to a distinctively Brazilian architectural modernism can be found side by side in Rio, in the Parque do Flamengo.

One, a World War II Memorial, was designed by Marcos Konder and Helio Ribas. (Few non-Brazilians seem to know that Brazil fought in World War II.) The monument was completed in 1960, four years after construction began. It features a subterranean mausoleum that absorbs the sounds of running water from a connected fountain. It's still, vast, angular, and dramatic.

A few minutes away by foot sits Rio's Museum of Modern Art, designed by Alfonso Eduardo Reidy. Reidy, who was influenced by Le Corbusier, created a dramatic, massive-scale structure that calls to mind Oscar Niemeyer as well as Le Corbusier. A grand circular stairway in the middle of the room links floors containing temporary exhibitions.

The two structures make for a great introduction to Rio's modernist heritage.

[Image via chillntravel/Flickr]

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