Palácio do Planalto
Official workplace of the Brazilian president in Brasília.
The Palácio do Planalto in Brasília serves as the president of Brazil’s official workplace. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1958, it opened on 21 April 1960 and has been used by every Brazilian president since Juscelino Kubitschek. The building stands at the Praça dos Três Poderes, east of the National Congress and opposite the Supreme Federal Court. Because it is the seat of government, “Planalto” is often used as shorthand for the federal executive branch.
The palace was a key part of the plan for Brazil’s new capital. Niemeyer was chosen as the architect, and construction by Construtora Rabello S.A. began on 10 July 1958. While it was being built, the executive office operated temporarily from the Catetinho on Brasília’s outskirts. The palace was officially inaugurated on 21 April 1960 by President Kubitschek, alongside the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court. The ceremony drew thousands of spectators and several foreign leaders, marking the transfer of the capital from Rio de Janeiro to the country’s interior. Its name comes from the Brazilian Highlands—*planalto* means highland—specifically the Central Plateau where Brasília sits.
In March 2009, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ordered a major restoration after years of poor maintenance had damaged the 1958 structure. Completed on 24 August 2010 at a cost of R$ 111 million, the work included new electrical, water, and central air systems; a complete interior overhaul with new divisions; restoration of the marble and granite exterior; an underground parking garage for 500 vehicles; new electrical generators; restored windows and doors; emergency stairs; and technology upgrades. During the restoration, the executive office moved temporarily to the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the Itamaraty Palace.
On 8 January 2023, the palace was stormed and vandalized by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who rejected the results of the 2022 election won by Lula da Silva. The attack also hit the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court, all on the Praça dos Três Poderes. Thousands of rioters broke in, smashing windows, destroying furniture, and damaging artworks. Among the destroyed items was the bronze sculpture *O Flautista* (The Flutist) by Bruno Giorgi, located near the presidential office on the third floor.
Quick Facts
- Native Name
- pt · Palácio do Planalto
- Architectural Style
- Modernist
- Client
- Brazilian government
- Current Tenants
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
- Location
- Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília
- Location Country
- Brazil
- Construction Start Date
- 10 July 1958
- Inauguration Date
- 21 April 1960
- Renovation Date
- 2009–2010
- Height
- 65.65 ft
- Floor Count
- 4 (above ground) / 1 (below ground)
- Floor Area
- 36000 m2
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Palácio do Planalto was a major feature of the plan for the newly established federal capital, Brasília. Oscar Niemeyer was chosen as the architect, and construction began on 10 July 1958, led by Construtora Rabello S.A. During construction, the Executive Office was temporarily headquartered at the Catetinho on the outskirts of Brasília. The palace was officially inaugurated on 21 April 1960 by President Juscelino Kubitschek, alongside the National Congress and the Supreme Federal Court, symbolizing the transfer of the capital from Rio de Janeiro to the center of the country. The name Planalto refers to the Brazilian Highlands, specifically the Central Plateau where Brasília is located.
In March 2009, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ordered an extensive restoration, completed on 24 August 2010 at a cost of R$ 111 million. The restoration included new electrical, water, and air conditioning systems, interior reconstruction, façade restoration, an underground parking garage for 500 vehicles, and technology upgrades. During this period, the Executive Office was temporarily moved to the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and the Itamaraty Palace.
On 8 January 2023, the palace was stormed and vandalized by supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who refused to accept the 2022 presidential election results. Thousands of rioters broke in, destroying furniture and artworks, including the bronze sculpture O Flautista by Bruno Giorgi. President Lula da Silva, inaugurated a week earlier, condemned the acts and declared federal intervention in the Federal District.
Reader's Guide
The Palácio do Planalto is significant as the central workplace of the Brazilian presidency and a symbol of the nation's modern capital. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it embodies the modernist architectural vision that defines Brasília, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building's history reflects key moments in Brazil's political development, from its inauguration during the capital's transfer to the 2023 storming by rioters. Its restoration in 2009–2010 highlights ongoing efforts to preserve the structure. The palace's layout, including floors housing the presidential office, meeting rooms, and senior staff, underscores its role as the executive branch's operational hub. The term Planalto itself has become a metonym for the federal government, emphasizing its importance in Brazilian political discourse. The building's public access on Sundays and security measures illustrate the balance between transparency and protection for the seat of power.
Did You Know?
- The Palácio do Planalto was inaugurated on 21 April 1960, the same day as the National Congress and Supreme Federal Court.
- A reflecting pool built in 1991 holds 1,900 cubic metres of water and houses several Japanese carp.
- The bronze sculpture O Flautista by Bruno Giorgi was destroyed during the 8 January 2023 storming.
- The palace's name comes from the Brazilian Highlands, where Brasília is located.
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