Casa Olivo Gomes
A modernist architectural gem by Rino Levi, with landscaping by Burle Marx, set in São José dos Campos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Casa Olivo Gomes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modernist architectural gem by Rino Levi, with landscaping by Burle Marx, set in São José dos Campos.
"A landmark of Brazilian modernism, admired for its exterior despite limited interior access."
Check Access Beforehand
Interior access is often limited. Confirm availability before your visit to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Photography Paradise
The architecture and park setting offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rino Levi's Modernist Design
Exterior
Admire the clean lines and innovative structure of this 1949 masterpiece, a testament to Brazilian modernism.
Roberto Burle Marx Landscaping
Surrounding Gardens
Explore the integrated gardens, a signature of Burle Marx, though some visitors note areas can appear unkempt.
Iconic Vertical Basculant Windows
Exterior Facade
Notice the unique vertical basculant windows designed for ventilation and light, a key feature of the residence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access and Preservation Concerns
Architectural Significance
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Access Beforehand
Interior access is often limited. Confirm availability before your visit to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Photography Paradise
The architecture and park setting offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Explore the Park
The house is within Parque da Cidade, so enjoy the public park's amenities too.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the park and grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Access Beforehand
Interior access is often limited. Confirm availability before your visit to avoid disappointment. :informationdeskperson:
Photography Paradise
The architecture and park setting offer stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Explore the Park
The house is within Parque da Cidade, so enjoy the public park's amenities too.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the park and grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Casa Olivo Gomes is lauded for its significant modernist architecture by Rino Levi and its integrated landscaping by Roberto Burle Marx, making it a visually striking landmark. However, many visitors express disappointment over restricted interior access and a perceived lack of upkeep in both the house and its gardens. Despite these concerns, its historical importance and location within the public Parque da Cidade make it a worthwhile visit for its external beauty and architectural merit.
"O edifício está muito bem preservado, mas impossível de adentra-lo, sem uso cotidiano."
Marcelo Ignatios
"Lindo lugar para fotografias, pois tem uma visão ampla do parque. O prédio tem uma arquitetura bem diferente. É uma pena que não utilizam o prédio para fazer alguma exposição dentro, ele está vazio e se acabando sem ser utilizado."
Jocilene Barros
"Um dos marcos da Arquitetura Modernista Brasileira, projetada por Rino Levi. A casa pousa no terreno, com paisagismo sempre interessante de Burle Marx. A casa em si esta em conservação média, embora aparente pintura recente ou em andamento. No momento que fui (Maio 2023) não estava visitável. As espécies plantadas estavam todas secas, infelizmente, aparentando mais abandonadas que a casa. Ainda assim, pela importância histórica, vale a visita pois está dentro do Parque, que é público. É uma aula de boa arquitetura"
Eduardo Saito
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa Olivo Gomes is located within the Parque da Cidade in São José dos Campos, SP. You can reach São José dos Campos by car via major highways like Presidente Dutra (BR-116) or by bus from São Paulo. Once in the city, use ride-sharing apps or local buses to get to Parque da Cidade.
Yes, Parque da Cidade generally offers ample parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to arrive earlier on weekends or holidays to secure a spot. :car:
Several city bus lines serve the area around Parque da Cidade. Check the local transport authority's website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The house itself is part of Parque da Cidade, which is a public park. While entry to the park is generally free, access to the interior of Casa Olivo Gomes is often restricted and may require special arrangements or be unavailable.
As access to the interior is frequently limited, there are no set public opening hours for the house itself. The surrounding Parque da Cidade has its own operating hours, typically from early morning to early evening.
Unfortunately, many visitors report that the interior of Casa Olivo Gomes is not regularly accessible for tours. It's a common point of disappointment, with the building sometimes appearing unused.
Occasionally, events like art exhibitions or dance performances are held at Casa Olivo Gomes. Keep an eye on local event listings or the city's cultural agenda for announcements.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the surrounding gardens designed by Burle Marx, and the unique windows offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The park itself also provides scenic backdrops.
Since interior access is usually restricted, photography inside is generally not possible. However, exterior photography is widely encouraged and celebrated.
Late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' provide beautiful, soft light that enhances the architectural details and natural surroundings. Mornings can also be good with fewer people.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
While interior access is limited, you can admire the exterior architecture, explore the surrounding Parque da Cidade, and appreciate the historical significance of the site.
Yes, it can be part of a day trip to São José dos Campos, especially if combined with exploring Parque da Cidade and other attractions in the city.
Reviews indicate the building is well-preserved but sometimes appears neglected, with landscaping also showing signs of wear. Despite this, its architectural importance remains.
Being within Parque da Cidade, you'll find walking paths, green spaces, and potentially other recreational facilities. Nearby areas in São José dos Campos offer dining and shopping options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the exterior architecture as a visual learning opportunity about different building styles. The unique design might spark their curiosity. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as you'll be walking around the park grounds.
📸 Architecture Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1Plan your visit for the late afternoon 'golden hour' to capture the best light on the building's facade and the surrounding gardens. Be prepared for potential limitations on interior access, but the exterior views and the park setting provide ample material for stunning shots.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to save money, as dining options directly at the house might be limited or non-existent. Focus on enjoying the free public space and the architectural marvel from the outside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: Rino Levi's Vision
+1Key architectural features include the innovative use of vertical basculant windows, which allow for excellent natural ventilation and light control, a hallmark of tropical modernism. The structure itself appears to 'float' on a retaining wall, a clever solution to the sloping site. Despite its historical importance, many visitors note that the house is not in daily use and access to the interior is often restricted, leading to a sense of it being preserved but not actively experienced.
The residence's placement within the larger complex of the textile mill and its subsequent integration into Parque da Cidade highlight its evolving role in the urban landscape. It serves as a tangible link to the industrial and architectural history of São José dos Campos, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era of Brazilian design.
The Art of Landscape: Roberto Burle Marx
Visitors often comment on the potential beauty of the landscape, noting the characteristic curves and the thoughtful selection of plants that were intended to thrive in the local climate. However, several reviews mention that parts of the landscaping can appear neglected or dry, which detracts from the intended aesthetic. This contrast between the architectural brilliance and the state of the gardens is a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
Despite these observations, the presence of Burle Marx's design is undeniable. It adds another layer of cultural and artistic significance to Casa Olivo Gomes, making it a site of interest not only for architecture enthusiasts but also for those who appreciate the art of landscape design. The interplay between Levi's structure and Marx's garden is a crucial element of the property's overall impact.
Preservation and Accessibility Challenges
This lack of interior access leads to mixed feelings. While the exterior architecture is widely admired and considered a must-see for its historical value, the inability to experience the interior spaces designed by Rino Levi can be disappointing. Some reviews express sadness over the perceived neglect of both the house and its surrounding landscape, hoping for improved conservation efforts.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the desire for the building to be utilized for cultural purposes, such as exhibitions, to ensure its preservation and provide public engagement. The hope is that institutions like Iphan (National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute) can play a role in its future. For now, visitors are encouraged to appreciate its external beauty and its setting within the public Parque da Cidade.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit