Oscar Niemeyer

The exhibition on Oscar Niemeyer, the visionary architect and communist, aims to reveal Niemeyer's creative process. With more than 600 buildings, Niemeyer has shaped 20th-century modern architecture. The exhibition showcases a wide range of objects and presentations, reflecting the diversity of his work and ideology.

SCHUNCK-Glaspaleis has the European premiere of the special oeuvre exhibition (1936-2008) of the Brazilian architectural legend Oscar Niemeyer (b. 1907, Rio de Janeiro) in honor of his 100th birthday. Guest curator Lauro Cavalcanti, in collaboration with director Stijn Huijts and curator Andrea Croé, adapted the exhibition, which previously toured Brazil, specifically for SCHUNCK in Heerlen. The exhibition presents an overview of Oscar Niemeyer's impressive oeuvre and career, as well as his ideology.

Exhibition Objectives

The central goal of the exhibition is to reveal the creative process of Niemeyer, a visionary architect and communist who shaped 20th-century modern architecture with more than 600 buildings to his name. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of objects and presentation forms, reflecting the breadth of his work and ideas.

Exhibition Features

From SCHUNCK's philosophy, where Modernity and Urban Culture are the pillars of a multidisciplinary presentation practice, the entire Glaspaleis was dedicated to Oscar Niemeyer and Brazilian modernism. On each floor, objects, texts, sketches, models, and other items were on display. The stairwell featured quotes from internationally renowned architects highlighting Niemeyer's influence on them.

Through models, world maps, a chronology (1936-2008), and project lists, all of Niemeyer's realized and unrealized projects were mapped out. Additionally, his life, political beliefs, and design approach were showcased. Visitors could see that Niemeyer remained true to himself even in old age, always seeking the challenge to create and construct the maximum possible with reinforced concrete.

A photo presentation of the plans and designs for the new Brazilian capital Brasília, accompanied by the specially composed 'Sinfonia Da Alvorada,' provided visitors with a good impression of this grandiose and controversial project.

In the SCHUNCK library, a complete box with images and texts written by Niemeyer about his stance as an architect, architecture in general, the relationship between art and architecture, and his political beliefs was available. Visitors could read about Niemeyer and Brazilian modernism or watch the enlightening documentary 'Oscar Niemeyer: An Architect Committed to His Century' in a lounge area. The SCHUNCK restaurant offered Brazilian drinks and dishes, often accompanied by Brazilian music.

Lecture Series, Debate, and Film Screening

The relationship between art and architecture, revisiting the ideals of Modernism through Niemeyer's architecture, the developments that have since changed our living environment, and reflecting on our ideals today were the central themes of the lecture series and the concluding debate.

- **Tue 17-3** / Film & lecture by Louidgi Beltrame, artist and film director of 'Brasília | Chandigarh'
- **Tue 24-3** / Duo lecture by architects Francine Houben and Mario Corea
- **Tue 31-3** / Lecture by Lauro Cavalcanti, director of Paço Imperial, guest curator of the Niemeyer exhibition
- **Sun 5-4** / Closing debate led by Harm Tilman, editor-in-chief of De Architect

Educational Program

The following educational projects were offered with the exhibition:

- 40 guided tours
- Viewing guide for secondary education (VO)
- Active project (draw and paint your 'Dream House')
- Presentation competition

Catalog

The bilingual catalog 'Oscar Niemeyer – Career and Contemporary Projects (1936-2008)' was a valuable addition to the exhibition and remains an important historical document that can be used as a standalone book.