Brazilian Modern: The Living Art of Roberto Burle Marx

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Roberto Burle Marx (1909–94) was a force of nature in Brazil—through his bold landscapes, vibrant art, and passionate commitment to plant conservation. His powerful modernist vision produced thousands of gardens and landscapes, including the famous curving mosaic walkways at Copacabana Beach in Rio and the beautiful rooftop garden at Banco Safra in São Paulo. Feel his artistic energy and love of plants during our Garden-wide exhibition of lush gardens; paintings, drawings, and textiles; and the sights and sounds of Brazil that inspired his life and work.​

Experience Burle Marx’s boldly creative yet precise landscape designs, which come to life in our largest botanical exhibition ever. Vast and immersive gardens, highlighting native plants of Brazil, include his signature curved, patterned pathways, a sculptural water feature, a living wall, and other design elements overflowing with palms, cycads, aroids, bromeliads, elephant’s ears, and more.

See Burle Marx’s paintings, drawings, and textiles, inspired by the culture and nature of Brazil, and how his artistic process helped him define the forms and shapes of his gardens. Discover the Sítio, his living laboratory and home where he worked and entertained friends and colleagues, leading botanists, artists, poets, and cultural figures from around the world.

Explore Burle Marx’s passionate advocacy for the preservation of Brazil’s native ecosystems and learn about the long-standing research and conservation impact of NYBG’s scientists in the region.​

On weekends, Enjoy Brazil’s unique celebrations of music and dance—from Carnival to samba and Capoeira to jazz—and other cultural programs evoking the exuberance of Rio de Janeiro, the “Cidade Maravilhosa” that filled Burle Marx’s life and work in Brazil.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website

Image: An overview of the lush Burle Marx exhibit at NYBG.  Photo Credit: Courtesy NYBG