Pampulha Modern Ensemble
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Why go
- The Cândido Portinari murals in the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
- The Casa do Baile ballroom, now a reference centre for architecture, urbanism and design
Don't miss
- Arched, curved roof of the churchThe Church of Saint Francis of Assisi has an arched, curved roof.Pampulha ensemble, north of Belo Horizonte
- Modern garden around the churchRoberto Burle Marx designed the green areas around the church as a modern garden.Around the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Former golf and yacht clubA former golf yacht club, now Iate Tênis Clube, is part of the ensemble.Pampulha ensemble, north of Belo Horizonte
- Artificial Pampulha lakeThe ensemble is built around the artificial Pampulha lake.North of Belo Horizonte
Interesting facts5
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The Church of São Francisco de Assis kept its original purpose and is still in use.
Ensemble der Moderne in Pampulha - Wikipedia -
The ensemble is considered the most important example of modern architecture in the country.
Ensemble der Moderne in Pampulha - Wikipedia -
The church is among Niemeyer's most internationally known works.
Ensemble der Moderne in Pampulha - Wikipedia -
The original ensemble had four central buildings, designed to unite architecture, art and landscape in one composition.
Ensemble der Moderne in Pampulha - Wikipedia -
The ensemble anticipated many later designs, especially for the planned capital.
Ensemble der Moderne in Pampulha - Wikipedia
History
The mayor, Juscelino Kubitschek, who later became president, commissioned the work. The project drew international attention soon after it was completed.
- 1930sThe city plans its northern suburb as a modern residential and leisure district.
- 1940-1943Oscar Niemeyer develops the ensemble with Joaquim Cardozo, Roberto Burle Marx and Cândido Portinari.
- July 2016UNESCO adds the Pampulha ensemble to the World Heritage list at the committee's 40th session.
Tips for your visit
- Start at the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, the work most known outside Brazil.
- The former casino now houses an art museum, so the art is inside the building.
Sources: Pampulha Modern Ensemble - Wikipedia · Ensemble der Moderne in Pampulha - Wikipedia · Ensemble moderne de Pampulha - Wikipedia · checked 25 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Where is the Pampulha Modern Ensemble?
The ensemble lies in the north of Belo Horizonte, beside the artificial Pampulha lake it was built around.
What can you see at the Pampulha Modern Ensemble?
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi has Cândido Portinari murals and an arched, curved roof. The former casino now houses an art museum, and Casa do Baile is a reference centre for architecture, urbanism and design.
Is the Pampulha Modern Ensemble a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list in July 2016, at the committee's 40th session.
Who designed the Pampulha Modern Ensemble?
Oscar Niemeyer designed it between 1940 and 1943, working with structural engineer Joaquim Cardozo, landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and painter Cândido Portinari.
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