Architectural features of the National Congress

The National Congress of Brasilia was designed by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer and built between 1958 and 1960. Its unique design style combines modernism with local Brazilian cultural elements, leaving a strong mark in the history of world architecture. The horizontal and vertical shapes of the entire building are in sharp contrast, and the design of two hemispheres, one upside down and the other inverted, is a stroke of genius, which not only reconciles the overall composition of the building, but also gives it rich symbolic meaning. Some people jokingly call the shape of the National Congress "a pair of chopsticks and two bowls", "two bowls" refers to the Senate and the House of Representatives, and "a pair of chopsticks" refers to the office building. The larger bowl on the right side is the Chamber of Deputies, symbolizing "democracy" and "broad acceptance of public opinion", as if it is about to take off, implying that Brazil will be pushed into a better future; the smaller bowl on the left side is the Chamber of the Senate, representing "concentrating public opinion" and the commanding function. In addition to serving as the meeting halls of the two houses, the flat bodies under the two giant bowls also have ancillary buildings such as restaurants, shops, and garages. ​

The two 28-story management office buildings behind the conference hall stand side by side. The 11th to 13th floors in the middle of the two buildings are connected by a corridor, forming an "H" shape, which is the first letter of the Portuguese word "Homen", symbolizing the legislative purpose of the Federal Parliament of "everything for people". The office building is surrounded by a pool, making the lines of the entire parliament building more beautiful and light. Under the bright sunshine of Brazil, the Congress Building is like a magnificent movement, singing freely, shocking and intoxicating. In 1987, UNESCO listed Brasilia, a city that was built less than 30 years ago, as a World Cultural Heritage Site. As one of the most important public buildings in Brasilia, the National Congress Building has also become famous.

Visit information

Opening hours​

The National Congress Building is open to the public from 9:00 to 17:30 every day, which is convenient for tourists to visit. However, it should be noted that the specific opening hours may be adjusted due to special events or maintenance needs. It is recommended to check and confirm on the official website in advance. ​

Ticket price​

Visiting the National Congress Building is free, which provides tourists with an excellent opportunity to experience the political culture and architectural charm of Brazil up close. ​

Dress code​

The National Congress Building has certain dress requirements. Men are not allowed to enter in shorts, so when visiting, you should pay attention to dressing appropriately to avoid affecting your itinerary due to dress problems. ​

Explanation service​

Every half an hour, there will be an explanation group in the National Congress Building, and multiple languages ​​are available, so that tourists from all over the world can have a deep understanding of the history, culture and design concepts behind the building. Travelers can book a visit time online, so that they can better plan their itinerary and ensure that they do not miss the wonderful explanation.

Transportation Guide

If you are in Brasilia, you can take a bus from the short-distance bus station to the Three Powers Square and the National Congress in about five minutes. The ticket price is about 2 rerant, which is economical and convenient. Of course, you can also choose to take a taxi or use online car-hailing services, which is more convenient and fast, but the cost is relatively high.

Food Recommendation

After visiting the National Congress and surrounding attractions, you must be hungry. There are many foods worth trying in Brasilia. For example, Brazilian barbecue is famous for its unique grilling method and rich and diverse meat selection. The tender and juicy barbecue is paired with a variety of special sauces, which can definitely satisfy your taste buds. There is also feijoada, which is a traditional Brazilian stew with black beans and various meats as the main ingredients. It is stewed in a fragrant and flavorful way and is one of the representatives of Brazilian cuisine. In addition, local fruits are also very rich, such as mango, guava, acai berry, etc., which are fresh and juicy with a sweet taste. Don't miss the opportunity to taste these tropical fruits. You can taste these delicious dishes in restaurants inside or around the National Congress, adding more beautiful memories to your trip.

The Congress Building in Brasilia is not only a political building, but also a treasure that combines art, culture and history. Here, you can feel the charm of modern Brazilian architecture and learn about Brazil's political system and historical culture. I hope this guide can help you spend an unforgettable time in Brasilia and enjoy the unique style of the Congress Building and its surroundings.