At Espaço Lúcio Costa, beneath Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasília, a detailed model of the city’s Pilot Plan brings its layout into view. See how the sectors, axes and green areas fit together, then look through historical photographs and explanatory panels about the capital’s creation and construction. The bilingual texts help explain Lúcio Costa’s ideas. The museum is small, so it’s easy to add to a visit to the square and nearby sights.
The Pilot Plan in scale
The main draw is a detailed model of Brasília’s Pilot Plan, the layout devised by urban planner Lúcio Costa. Seen from above, the city’s sectors, axes and green areas come together in a single view. The model gives a clear sense of how the capital was planned as an integrated design.
Espaço Lúcio Costa is dedicated to the planner whose proposal won the competition for Brasília’s Pilot Plan. Its setting beneath Praça dos Três Poderes places the exhibition in the square associated with the capital’s civic landmarks.
Photographs and explanatory panels
Historical photographs and explanatory panels trace the creation and construction of Brasília. Bilingual texts help visitors follow Costa’s original ideas, while guides can explain the plan and its development. Looking between the model and the supporting material makes it easier to connect the city’s overall form with the ideas behind it.
The exhibition space is limited, and the model takes up much of the room. The visit is therefore a compact way to learn about Brasília’s urban design, and can fit alongside other stops in the square.
Perguntas frequentes
What can you see at Espaço Lúcio Costa?
The museum’s main exhibit is a detailed scale model of Brasília’s Pilot Plan. Historical photographs, explanatory panels and bilingual texts add context about the city’s creation and design.
Where is Espaço Lúcio Costa?
It is beneath Praça dos Três Poderes in Brasília.
How long do you need for a visit?
The museum is small and the visit is brief. Around 30 to 60 minutes is a practical allowance.
