museum · Brasília, DF
Memorial JK
It holds the tomb and personal collection of Juscelino Kubitschek, with the president's statue inside a concrete sickle. It tells the story of the capital's construction through objects and photos.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Memorial JK
The Memorial JK is the museum and mausoleum of Juscelino Kubitschek, the president who built Brasília. It stands on the Eixo Monumental, on Praça do Cruzeiro, and holds JK's tomb and a large collection about his life and the building of the capital.
The building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer at the request of Sarah Kubitschek, the president's widow, and opened in the early 1980s. From outside it is a white marble block with few openings. Beside it rises a tall concrete pedestal with a curved shape at the top, which holds the statue of JK facing the city. Around it are gardens and reflecting pools on different levels.
Inside are the burial chamber with JK's tomb, photos and personal belongings of his and Sarah's, such as the presidential sash and the clothes worn at Brasília's inauguration, the president's personal library and the last car he used. There are also works by Athos Bulcão and Marianne Peretti.
The visit appeals to anyone who wants to understand how and why Brasília was born. The route is flat and the building has a ramp and an elevator. There is an entrance fee, with half-price tickets for those eligible.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour is enough to go through the collection rooms and the burial chamber and take a stroll around the gardens.
Best time
In the morning, in the dry season (May to September), when the blue sky contrasts with the white marble and the sun is not yet strong on the open lawn of the Eixo Monumental.
How to get there
It is on the western part of the Eixo Monumental, on Praça do Cruzeiro, near the TV Tower and across from the Memorial dos Povos Indígenas, a few kilometers from the Esplanada dos Ministérios. The easiest way is by car or ride-hailing app; buses running along the Eixo Monumental pass nearby.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Memorial dos Povos Indígenas, right across the way, and with Praça do Cruzeiro, where Brasília's first Mass was held.
A look at the place
Memorial JK in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Memorial JK
Is there an entrance fee at the Memorial JK?
Yes, there is an entrance fee, with half-price tickets for students, seniors and others who are eligible. Check prices and hours on the official website.
What is inside the Memorial JK?
Juscelino Kubitschek's tomb, photos and personal belongings of his and Sarah's, such as the presidential sash, the president's library and the last car he used.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour to see the collection at a relaxed pace and stroll through the gardens.
Who designed the Memorial JK?
Oscar Niemeyer, at the request of Sarah Kubitschek, the president's widow.
Where is the Memorial JK?
On the Eixo Monumental, on Praça do Cruzeiro, across from the Memorial dos Povos Indígenas and near the TV Tower.