Oscar Niemeyer Pavilion | Oscar Niemeyer

Conceived between 2010 and 2013, the pavilion is the final project drawn by Niemeyer and his last gift to France, a country close to his heart.

Set amongst a vineyard of Vermentino grapes, the new structure serves as an exhibition space and auditorium. Visitors start their journey via a curved, glazed elevation leading to a 380m2 gallery. Adjacent to this is a 140m2 cylindrical auditorium with a capacity of 80 seats.

The pavilion, with its organic, curved architecture reflects Niemeyer’s distinctive style and sits in perfect harmony with the surrounding vines and rolling Provençal hills. The striking glass façade gives the impression of the vineyard unfolding through the building, while the shallow pool at the entrance beautifully captures the interaction of light and reflection.

The pavilion project at Château La Coste was born in 2010 when Niemeyer was first invited to consider a design for this picturesque landscape in Provence. The architect loved the idea of creating something among the vineyards and considered wine as an important symbol of mankind’s presence on Earth. It took him more than a year to perfect the design and find a suitable site, and his team began technical visits in 2011.

Niemeyer had a long and faithful relationship with France. During the Brazilian military dictatorship, he went into exile in Paris and lived on Boulevard Raspail. He was often seen at La Brasserie La Coupole. Even after returning to Rio de Janeiro, he always said that he would only leave his home city for Paris. Over his lifetime Niemeyer developed several projects in France, among them: the Communist Party HQ, L’Humanité newspaper HQ, the Cultural Center in Le Havre, the Labor Council Building of Bobigny, and a private home in St Tropez.