the historic and artistic national heritage institute - iphan is located in the gustavo capanema palace in downtown rio.

the gustavo capanema palace is one of the finest examples of 1930s modernist architecture in brazil.

it was designed by a team led by lúcio costa, the futuristic architect that would go on to design the layout of rio's district barra da tijuca, and of brazil's capital brasília.

oscar niemeyer, who was to become brazil's best-known architect, also took on an important role in the design process, as an intern in costa's office.