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More information on Catetinho Museum in Brasilia

Description: Catetinho Museum in Brasilia

Catetinho was the first building ever built in Brasilia, and was built in just 10 days.  

Catetinho is the house where Juscelino Kubitschek lived while the city was built from 1956 to 1960. Brasilia is one of the only cities in the world that was completely planned, and the building of the city in just 4 short years is a first in the world. Catetinho is now open to the public, and has been turned into a mini-museum about the city's history and the life of Juscelino Kubitschek

Although it is nothing more than a tiny, timber house, like most of the city of Brasilia, it was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. This small wooden building has earned the nickname "the Wooden Board Palace." It was nothing like the presidential palace, but it was still the important place where the president lived day-to-day. Catetinho was built in just ten days, from October 22nd to October 31st in 1956. The architecture of Catetinho is quaint, but still quite interesting. The building stands on stilts that raise it above the ground.

Inside Catetinho, you will find lots of Kubitschek's personal belongings. There is a large collection of his clothes and personal effects. The furniture has been preserved and left just the way it was when he lived there, so that tourists can see just how President Juscelino Kubitschek lived during the construction of the city of Brasilia. Catetinho contains Juscelino Kubitschek's books from his personal library. There are also photographs and displays about the four years during which the city of Brasilia was built.

The name Catetinho comes from the word Catete. It is a diminutive form, meaning "little Catete." Catete was the name of the presidential palace in Rio. Rio was the capital before Brasilia was built, and the Catetinho was the little presidential palace, used before the new one was finished.

Catetinho is free to enter. It is open everyday from 8 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon. It is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Brasilia proper, on Rodovia BR-040, at the Belo Horizonte. You can catch a bus there from the center of town. Take the bus for Belo Horizonte and you will see it. For more information, you can call them at (61) 243-7559.

Catetinho (The Small “Catete” Palace)
First construction of Brasilia, erected in 1956, when the capital was still under construction – it was then the official residence of Juscelino Kubitschek, then President of the Republic. Visitors can appreciate here furniture and objects from that period, used when the first steps were taken to turn Brasilia into our national federal capital. Access to Catetinho is available through BR-040 roadway, on the Belo Horizonte direction, close to the Brasilia Country Club. It is opened daily, from 9 am to 5 pm. Information: +55 (61) 338-8694.

The first official residence in Brasilia, preserving vintage furniture and objects. The woods in spring is an attraction.
BR 040, Clover Range.

Phone 380-1921. May be closed now, more information is needed.

References:

http://www.brasiliabrazil.info/catetinho.html

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