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