Oscar Niemeyer

Oscar Niemeyer designed major civic buildings in Brasilia, including the National Congress, the Cathedral of Brasilia, and the Palácio da Alvorada. Brasilia was inaugurated as Brazil's capital in 1960.

Niemeyer used reinforced concrete to create sweeping curves rather than only strict rectangular forms. His work often feels more sculptural than the boxier International Style associated with many mid-century buildings.

Niemeyer worked with a Brazilian team that collaborated with Le Corbusier on the Ministry of Education and Health building in Rio de Janeiro. That project helped bring modern architecture to Brazil before Niemeyer's later fame in Brasilia.

The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, completed in the 1990s across Guanabara Bay from Rio, is one of his most recognizable late works. Its saucer-like form shows Niemeyer's long-running interest in curves and dramatic silhouettes.