Roberto Burle Marx Site (Sítio Roberto Burle Marx)
Estrada Roberto Burle Marx 2019, Barra Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, 23020-255
Brazil’s most famous landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx, left his legacy all over the country, and his own estate is undoubtedly one of his masterpieces. The former banana plantation, which Marx bought together with his brother in 1949, was transformed into intricately designed gardens that take 18 gardeners to care for.
The basics
The gardens aren’t the only highlight of Sitio Roberto Burle Marx. Inside Marx’s original farmhouse and studio, many of his paintings, furniture, and sculptures are on display and show the creative force of a design genius. Visitors can also walk through the dining hall and music room. Access to the garden and house is by tour only.
Things to know before you go
- Sitio Roberto Burle Marx is a must-visit for anyone interested in gardening or botany.
- Guided tours of the garden last about 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.
- There’s no food at the museum, so eat before you go or pack some snacks to hold you over.
How to get there
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx can be found in the Barra de Guaratiba neighborhood in the west of Rio de Janeiro. The only way to get there is by car, so it’s best to hire a taxi or join a guided tour that includes roundtrip transportation.
When to get there
The garden is open for tours from Tuesday to Saturday at 9:30am and 1:30pm. Be sure to book your tour in advance, as they often fill up.
A Garden Without Flowers
What you won’t see much of on this 86-acre (35-hectare) property as in other botanical gardens are flowers. This design choice was Marx’s signature, as he wanted to achieve aesthetic timelessness and avoid seasonal changes. Instead, grasses, layers of shrubs, and palm trees create flowing transitions between varying shades of green, with the occasional bromeliad adding a pop of color. It’s one of the biggest collections of tropical and subtropical plants in the world.
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