Many cariocas have heard of it, but few actually know and visit this very special corner of Rio de Janeiro. We are talking about the Roberto Burle Marx Estate, located in Barra de Guaratiba, in the West Zone.
With over 400,000 hectares and 3,000 species of plants, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and open to visitors. Learn more about this botanical paradise!
Flamengo Landfill and other projects by Roberto Burle Marx in Rio
One of the biggest names in landscaping, Brazilian Roberto Burle Marx left his mark on national and international projects. However, having lived most of his life in Rio de Janeiro, it is in the Marvelous City that his main works are located .
Among the most famous is the Flamengo Landfill, including the extremely rare talipot palms that bloomed 70 years after they were planted.
In addition, the landscaping of the Chácara do Céu Museum, the Copacabana boardwalk, and the gardens of the Capanema Palace are also part of his legacy.
And even his residence, the Roberto Burle Marx Estate, a large space for experimentation that is open to visitors.
“Green lung”: Roberto Burle Marx Estate has plants from all over the world
The landscape architect lived at the site from 1973 until 1994, the year of his death. However, he donated the property to IPHAN while he was still alive, in 1985, and it became a world and historical heritage site.
And it’s easy to understand why. Covering an area of over 400,000 hectares, the site brings together one of the most important collections of tropical and semi-tropical plants in the world, with 3,500 species!
It is worth remembering that Roberto Burle Marx was not only a landscape architect, but also a visual artist, painter, designer, and sculptor. In other words, in addition to his botanical legacy, the site also has works from his personal collection, including those he made himself!
The house where the landscape architect lived is part of the itinerary
It is possible to visit not only the entire outdoor area of the estate, but also the residence where Burle Marx lived.
The house has been open since 2019 and has undergone an exhibition remodel to enable a closer experience and convey the artist’s poetic emotions.
Thus, the circuit includes the various rooms of the house, as well as the guest room, the back porch, Burle Marx’s favorite place for painting, and the landscape architect’s studio, next to the residence.
It’s a must-see attraction in Rio de Janeiro!
Find out how to visit the Roberto Burle Marx Estate
If you are not yet familiar with the Burle Marx Estate, it is well worth a visit. Tours are guided and must be booked in advance on the official website.
The site is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday (except holidays), at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets cost R$ 10, payable in cash only, on the day of the visit.
Students with ID cards and people over 60 pay half price. Tour guides, people with disabilities and their companions, and teachers are exempt, upon proof. Children up to 5 years old are also exempt.
📍Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019 – Barra de Guaratiba