cultural center · Goiânia, GO
Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer
Opened in 2006 and designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it brings together a library, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the sphere-shaped Palácio da Música and the Human Rights Monument, marked by a large red triangle. The buildings surround an esplanade used for concerts and events.
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 Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer
The Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer, known in Goiânia by its acronym CCON, is a complex of four buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It opened in 2006 and is run by the Goiás state government. It is one of the city's postcard images of modern architecture.
The buildings surround the Esplanada da Cultura Juscelino Kubitschek, a large open plaza. There you find the library, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Goiás (MAC), the Palácio da Música Belkiss Spenzièri, with its dome surrounded by a reflecting pool, and the Human Rights Monument, a red pyramid housing an auditorium and an exhibition hall.
The MAC hosts art exhibitions, with free admission. The Palácio da Música is a theater that often hosts concerts by the Goiás Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as shows and performances. The schedule changes throughout the year, so check before you go.
Even without going inside the buildings, the visit is worth it for the architecture. The esplanade is flat and wide, good for photos, and on weekends it draws families who ride bikes, roller-skate, skateboard and fly kites. There is little shade in the open space.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to walk around the esplanade and see an exhibition; longer if there is a show at the theater.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the low sun lights up the buildings and the heat eases; in the dry season (May to September) the sky is usually clear, and on weekends the esplanade is livelier.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Deputado Jamel Cecílio, in Setor Fazenda Gameleira, near the access to the GO-020 and BR-153, outside downtown Goiânia. The easiest way is by car or ride-hailing app; there is parking on site and bus lines that pass through the area.
Tip
Bring a hat, sunscreen and water: the esplanade is open and has almost no shade. For photos, late afternoon offers the best light on the pyramid and the dome.
A look at the place
Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer 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 Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer
Is there an entrance fee at the Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer?
The esplanade is open to the public and the Museum of Contemporary Art's exhibitions are free. Shows at the Palácio da Música may be paid; check the schedule.
What is there at the Centro Cultural Oscar Niemeyer?
A library, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Goiás, the Palácio da Música (a theater) and the Human Rights Monument, around a large esplanade.
How long does the visit take?
One to two hours to walk around the esplanade and see an exhibition.
Can you walk there from downtown Goiânia?
It is not practical. The cultural center is outside downtown, in Setor Fazenda Gameleira; go by car, ride-hailing app or bus.
Can you roller-skate and bike on the esplanade?
Yes. On weekends many families use the esplanade to ride bikes, roller-skate, skateboard and fly kites.