Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Parque do Ibirapuera
i
Parque do
Ibirapuera is the largest green
space in central São Paulo, and its native
Brazilian woodlands and lakes are a wel-
come respite from the city's urban sprawl.
Opened in 1954, it houses several muse-
ums and exhibition spaces, as well as a
complex of buildings by the country's
celebrated architect, Oscar Niemeyer
(b.1907). These stage major exhibitions
such as the Terracotta Warrior exhibition
from China and the Rodin retrospective.
Statue of
Pedro Álvares
Cabral
Monumento ás Bandeiras
Completed in 1950, this tribute
to explorers or
bandeirantes,
who
opened up Brazil's interior,
is one of the more severe works
by Brazil's foremost sculptor,
Victor Brecheret.
.
Hotel Unique
Hotel Unique
(see
p374)
, the intriguing,
half-melon structure
on stilts is the most
famous work of
Brazil's leading
contemporary
architect, Ruy Ohtake,
son of the artist,
Tomie Ohtake.
A son et lumière
fountain
show is held here on
weekends.
The restored, state-of-the-art
planetarium
is one of the most
impressive in Latin America and is very
popular with children. All shows are in Portuguese.
Pavilhão Japonês
This pavilion and its gardens were built in strict
accordance with traditional Japanese design,
using only Japanese materials. There is also an
exhibition space and a Japanese tearoom.
The small
vivarium
houses a few
species of
native sub-
tropical trees.
STAR SIGHTS
.
Hotel Unique
. O Obelisco aos Heroís
de 32
.
MAM
The Bosque da Leitura
or “reading wood” is
the place to head for on
Sundays. Visitors can
borrow a book and read
in the shade of the trees.
0 meters
25
0 yards
25
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p374 and pp399-401
