The Itamaraty Palace, which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of Niemeyer's most outstanding architectural accomplishments. Surrounded by pools and greenery, the façade composed of long vertical arches fronts a rectangular glass structure. The interior, which is tastefully decorated with antiques and objets d'art, is totally unique. On the ground floor, a 2 800m² hall looks onto the garden designed by Burle Marx. The stairway that curves gently up to the first floor accentuates the elegance of the building.