the art museum was designed by oscar niemeyer - a famous brazilian architect, niemeyer was considered one of modern architecture's key practitioners. his designs for brasília, brazil's new capital (1960) and his work on the united nations headquarters in new york city, attest to his skill.

niemeyer's design for niterói's new art museum is an impressive multi-story building and a work of art itself. referred to by many as a flying saucer, the design features a large mushroom-like cupola perched on a cylindrical tower, like a flower according to the architect above the boa viagem (good journey) reflecting pool.