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Museums #3 in Curitiba

Museu Oscar Niemeyer

4.7 · 62,177 reviews
Spacious, modern, and intellectually stimulating.
Museu Oscar Niemeyer - R. Mal. Hermes, 999 - Centro Cívico, Curitiba - PR, 80530-230, Brazil
Interesting facts
1

The 'Eye' tower reaches a height of 30 meters and houses exhibition spaces across four levels.

2

The museum holds a permanent collection dedicated to the works of Oscar Niemeyer himself.

3

The structure's reflective water mirror spans over 1,700 square meters.

4

The museum grounds feature a dedicated outdoor sculpture garden designed for large-scale installations.

5

The building was formerly known as the Castelo Branco Institute before its conversion to an art museum.

6

The annex is technically a cantilevered structure held by a central reinforced concrete pillar.

Overview

The Museu Oscar Niemeyer, commonly known as the 'Eye Museum,' is defined by its iconic eye-shaped annex perched on a yellow pillar above a reflective pool. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the structure was originally built in 1967 as a school before being redesigned and expanded into a museum in 2002. It serves as one of the largest museums in Latin America, offering over 35,000 square meters of total area. The collection focuses heavily on visual arts, architecture, and design, with a strong emphasis on contemporary production. The museum complex includes the main building, the 'Eye,' and a sculpture garden that frequently hosts temporary installations. It serves as a central hub for Curitiba's cultural scene, regularly curating rotating international and local exhibitions. The architectural design intentionally plays with perspectives, using concrete curves and extensive glass surfaces to integrate with the surrounding park space.

Photo spot

From the edge of the reflective pool at the base of the 'Eye' tower.

Insider tips

Walk the perimeter of the reflective pool for the best structural perspectives.

Check the official website for temporary exhibition rotations, as major installations change frequently.

Allocate extra time to explore the outdoor sculpture garden behind the main building.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to see every gallery in a single hour; the sheer volume of space requires pacing.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

Refrain from touching artwork; photography is permitted in most areas, but flash is prohibited.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings, as weekends are popular with local families and student groups.
Address
Museu Oscar Niemeyer - R. Mal. Hermes, 999 - Centro Cívico, Curitiba - PR, 80530-230, Brazil
-25.410, -49.267
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWorks by Oscar Niemeyer, rotating contemporary art, and international design installations.
Architectural styleModernist concrete architecture featuring sculptural forms.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings, as weekends are popular with local families and student groups..

From the edge of the reflective pool at the base of the 'Eye' tower.

Close by you'll find Bosque Papa João Paulo II, Estádio Major Antônio Couto Pereira, Centro Cultural Teatro Guaíra.