Oscar Niemeyer made modernist architecture sexy. In his signature designs, such as those for the planned capital city of Brasília, Niemeyer created a distinctively buoyant architectural vocabulary of sweeping curves, flowing lines and organic forms (attributes that also characterize his seductive furniture). As expressions of faith in the power of modern architecture and design to foster progress, Niemeyer’s buildings have a kind of heroic poetry.
Oscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho was born to an upper-middle-class family in Rio de Janeiro. (His father was a graphic designer.) While in graduate school, Niemeyer began working for Lúcio Costa, one of the few modernist architects working in Brazil in the 1930s. Niemeyer would be assigned to the design team for a new building in Rio for the Ministry of Education and Health. The famed Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier was hired as a consultant on the project, and through him Niemeyer would absorb many lessons in bringing a sense of structural lightness to large buildings — though he would never embrace the geometric forms espoused by Le Corbusier and the members of the Bauhaus.
“I am not attracted to straight angles or to the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man,” Niemeyer would write in his memoirs. “I am attracted to free-flowing sensual curves.”
Nowhere would Niemeyer demonstrate his love of curvature more expressively and elegantly than in his designs for the principal buildings for Brasília, a project begun in 1956. The dramatic Congressional Palace features two stark towers flanked by a domed structure and a bowl-shaped edifice, for the upper and lower legislative houses. He placed the Palácio da Alvorada (the presidential residence) on a small peninsula jutting into a lake, so that the sequence of parabolic columns on its facade casts a mirror image on the water. Niemeyer’s grandest achievement was the city’s cathedral, a stunning composition of 16 arched vertical supports with tinted-glass interstices.
Four years after Brasília was completed, in 1960, Brazil’s elected government was overthrown in a military coup. Niemeyer, a member of the Communist party, was harassed continually by the junta. He left the country and did not return until democracy was restored, in 1985.
While in exile, in the early 1970s, Niemeyer began collaborating on furniture designs with his daughter, Anna Maria Niemeyer. Their best known pieces are seating furniture — the Alta lounge chair and ottoman and the Rio rocking chaise, which have flowing bases made of sheets of lacquered wood or stainless steel, share the aesthetics of Niemeyer’s architecture.
The Alta’s deep, oversized seat pads nod — much like the chair designs of Niemeyer’s countryman Sergio Rodrigues — to the Brazilian penchant for long, languorous conversations. Examples of both designs are priced at about $20,000, depending on age, condition and materials. As you will see on these pages, Oscar Niemeyer’s furniture designs are sleek, sculptural, comfortable and elegant — as well as a compact emblem of the work of one of the great architects of our time.
Find vintage Oscar Niemeyer lounge chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Oscar Niemeyer Rosewood 'ON' Lounge Chairs for Hotel SESC Rio de Janeiro, c 1980
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and historically important pair of 'ON' lounge chairs designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the Hotel SESC in Rio de Janeiro. This set comprises the pair of sculptural...
Leather, Rosewood
Rare Oscar Niemeyer Rosewood 'ON' Sofa for Hotel SESC Rio de Janeiro, c 1980
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and historically important three-seat sofa designed by Oscar Niemeyer for the Hotel SESC in Rio de Janeiro. This set comprises the sculptural 'ON' sofa accompan...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Walnut Buffet China Cabinet Broyhill Brasilia
By Broyhill Brasilia, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Baltimore, MD
Beautiful, retro Mid-Century Modern detailed proportioned walnut Broyhill Brasilia buffet China cabinet with detachable hutch in great origina...
Brass
Oscar Niemeyer Armchair and Ottoman Model "Alta", circa 1975 White Leather
By Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Oscar Niemeyer armchair and ottoman model "Alta", circa 1975. Rare fireside chairs and its ottoman model "Alta" with adjustable seats and backrests in thick cushions upholstered in w...
Stainless Steel
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Easy Chair for Mobilier International, 1971
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” easy chair for Mobilier International, cognac leather and steel, France, 1971. The “Alta” easy chair, created by Oscar Niemeyer in 1971 in collaboration with h...
Leather
Assouline: Oscar Niemeyer Architecture Coffee Table Book, First Edition
By Assouline Publishing, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Niemeyer one of the fathers of modernist architecture, is remembered through Assouline's handmade limited-edition Ultimate Collection volume.
Paper
Original Vintage Rio Mid-Century Modern Chaise by Oscar Niemeyer, 1978
By Oscar Niemeyer, Anna Maria Niemeyer
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Niemeyer was a Brazilian architect considered to be one of the key figures in the development of modern architecture. That’s "Rio" Chaise Lounge created in 1978 by Oscar Niemeyer and his daughter Anna Maria Niemeyer. "Rio" is exemplary of Niemeyer’s exquisite curves and sinuous forms made famous by his seminal modern architecture. That's a rare vintage piece Manufactured by Moveis Tepperman in Brazil, 1995. Literature Desenho da Utopia, Brazilian Modern Furniture...
Leather, Cane, Wood
Alta armchair by Oscar Niemeyer, 1978
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Armchair model “Alta” Manufactured by Tendo Brasileira Brasil, 1978 Leather, painted and molded plywood, steel Measurements 104,1 cm x 68,6 cm x 56,h5 cm 41 in x 27 in x 22,3h in
Steel
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Lounge Set for Mobilier International, 1971
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” chaise longue and ottoman for Mobilier International, leather and steel, France, 1971. The "Alta" lounge chair, designed by ...
Leather
Lounger and ottoman "Alta" by Oscar Niemeyer / Authentic
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Zürich, CH
Sculptural qualities define these objects. A vivid dynamic between the different volumes and surfaces, showing different qualities from different angles. Their expressive form offers...
Steel
Magazine “Módulo – Especial Oscar Niemeyer”. Brazil, July 1983.
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Magazine “Módulo – Especial Oscar Niemeyer”. Brazil, July 1983 Dimensions: 21 x 28 x 0.8cm Pages: 100 Language: Portuguese Building: Softback
Paper
Easy Chair and Ottoman by Oscar Niemeyer, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In this rare low version of the “Easy” chair and ottoman, Oscar Niemeyer and his daughter Anna Maria Niemeyer bring the language of modernist architecture to ground level—literally. ...
Leather, Plywood
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Lounge Set for Mobilier International, 1971
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” lounge set for Mobilier International, black leather and steel, France, 1971 The "Alta" lounge chair, designed by Oscar Niem...
Leather
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Lounge Set for Mobilier International, 1971, Set of 2
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” chaise longue and ottoman for Mobilier International, black leather and steel, France, 1971, set of two. The "Alta" lounge chair, designed by Oscar Niemeyer in...
Leather
Osca Niemeyer Aran armchair & Ottoman for Aran Line, Florence Italy, 1975
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Padova, IT
Oscar Niemeyer "Aran" armchairs for Aran Line, Florence, 1975. Mirror polished stainless steel structure, black leather, manufacturer's mark embossed on the frame and label. Literatu...
Steel
Chaise Longue "Rio" by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil, 1978
By Oscar Niemeyer, Tendo Brasileira
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rio chaise longue, a masterwork designed by Oscar Niemeyer and his daughter Anna Maria in 1978. Manufactured by Tendo Brasileira between 1979 and 1982, this exclusive piece was produ...
Wood, Plywood
1970s Alta Lounge Chair Attributed to Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier Intl of France
By Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We present this 'Alta' lounge chair, featuring a curved brushed stainless steel frame, and a generous seat pad that is upholstered in a black fabric. The chair was acquired from a Philadelphia-area estate, accompanied by other noteworthy pieces by Mies Van Der Rohe, Florence Knoll, and Finn Juhl. The chair was designed in 1971 by Oscar Niemeyer, in collaboration with Anna Maria Niemeyer. This particular example is attributed to Mobilier International as far as production, though the piece is unmarked. This special piece was launched in France, and was Niemeyer’s first foray into the field of industrialized and commercialized furniture. This is a listing for one lounge chair. The chair measures 45 inches in depth, 31 inches in width and 31 inches tall. The seat height is 18 inches. The black upholstery is in wonderful condition and the thick foam seat pad is intact and is in great shape. The chair shoes some light wear from use. Oscar Niemeyer was a critical figure in the Brazilian Modernist architectural movement, and the capital city of Brasilia owes much of its curvaceous futuristic facade to his vision. The acquisition of this important chair...
Steel
Oscar Niemeyer, Single armchair "Alta", France, 1974
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012) Single armchair model “Alta” Manufactured by Mobilier international France, 1974 Steel, wool upholstery Measurements 104,1 x 68,6x 56,5h cm 41 x 27 x 22,25h in Literature Gilles de Bure, Inte´rieurs: Le Mobilier Franc¸ais 1965-1979, Pa- ris, 1983, p. 101 Provenance Private collection, Antwerp. Details Certificate by Oscar Niemeyer Foundation. Biography Niemeyer was a Brazilian architect who is considered to be one of the key figures in the development of modern architecture. His exceptional architectural work has been unanimously hailed, and his influence on how the world looks like today has been reminded. In 1960’s Oscar Niemeyer started developing furniture projects, in collaboration with his daughter Ana Maria. The first piece designed by the team was “the Alta easy chair” and its footrest, but the most famous piece designed by Oscar and Ana is the “Rio Chaise Longue...
Steel
Side table by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil, 1960
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Side table Manufactured by Tendo Brasileira Brazil, 1960 Steel, glass Measurements 34,9 cm × 33 cm × 49,5h cm 13,7 in × 13 in × 19,5h in Provenance Manuel Guedes family, Sao Paulo ...
Steel
Low easy chair by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil, 1978
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Low easy chair Manufactured by Tendo Brasileira Brazil, 1978 Plywood, leather fabric Measurements 70 cm x 114 cm x 46h cm 27,6 in x 44,9 in x 18,1h in Literature Furniture By Archi...
Leather, Plywood
Coffee table by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil, 1991
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Coffee table Manufactured by Tepperman Brazil, 1991 Ebonized wood legs, glass top. Measurements 130 Ø cm x 20,3h cm 47,2 Ø in x 8h in Literature Aric Chen, Brazil Modern. The monac...
Glass, Wood
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Easy Chair for Mobilier International, Black Leather
By Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” easy chair for Mobilier International, black leather and steel, France, 1971. The “Alta” lounge chair, conceived in 1971 by Oscar Niemeyer in collaboration wit...
Leather
Modulo Coffee Table by Oscar Niemeyer, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Conceived in collaboration with his daughter Anna Maria Niemeyer, the “Módulo” coffee table captures the architect’s sculptural language in furniture form. Its undulating silhouette ...
Plywood
Oscar Niemeyer, Memorial Coluna Prestes I, Présentation Du Projet, c. 1991
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in PARIS, FR
Présentation en reproduction hydrographique sur papier, de la colonne commémorative Prestes construit à Palmas, capitale de l'État de Tocantins, circa 1991. Cette reproduction hydrographique sur papier d'Oscar Niemeyer pour le Mémorial Carlos Prestes dans la Praça dos Girassóis à Palmas, TO, est une œuvre d'art qui met en valeur le talent créatif de l'architecte brésilien Oscar Niemeyer. Mesurant 46 x 70 cm et créée en 1991, cette reproduction hydrographique sur papier présentent avec précision les caractéristiques distinctives de l'œuvre architecturale de Niemeyer. Les lignes courbes et les formes organiques, typiques de son style caractéristique, sont minutieusement recréées sur le papier, capturant ainsi l'esthétique unique des mémoriaux dédiés à Carlos Prestes. Le Mémorial Carlos Prestes, situé à la Praça dos Girassóis, est un monument d'importance historique et politique. Il rend hommage à Carlos Prestes, un révolutionnaire brésilien engagé dans la lutte pour les droits et la justice sociale. La reproduction hydrographique sur papier offrent une perspective unique sur ces sculptures monumentales, permettant aux spectateurs d'admirer les détails architecturaux et de s'immerger dans l'histoire qu'elles symbolisent. Provenance: Collection Luiz Carlos Prestes Filho qui a travaillé avec l'architecte Oscar Niemeyer à l'élaboration des programmes et à l'exécution des travaux du Memorial Coluna Prestes Tocantins/Palmas (2002) ; et à l'exécution des monuments Coluna Prestes de Santo...
Paper
Magazine “Módulo” nº53, by Oscar Niemeyer”. Brazil, 1979.
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Barcelona, ES
Magazine “Módulo – Revista de Arquitetura, Arte e Cultura”, nº53, by Oscar Niemeyer”, march - april 1979. Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 0.6cm Edited By: Avenir Pages: 100 Language: Portugue...
Paper
Price Upon Request
Coffee Table by Oscar Niemeyer
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in New York, NY
Coffee table in ebonized wood. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil. Produced in Brazil by Tendo Brasileira. Label on base reads: "Tendo Brasileira Industria e Comercio de Moveis Ltda ...
Wood
New Orleans Architecture Vol. VII Jefferson City, First Edition
By Dorothy G. Schlesinger
Located in valatie, NY
New Orleans architecture vol. VII Jefferson City. Gretna: Pelican publishing company. First edition hardcover with dust jacket, 1989. 192 pp. ...
Paper
Frank Gehry Easy Edges Chairs and Ottoman
By Frank Gehry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frank Gehry pair of easy Edges chair and ottoman. Easy Edges, Inc. Canada/USA, 1972. Laminated cardboard, masonite. Chair: 29¼ H × 23¼ W × 39 D in, ottoman: 14¾ H × 17¾ W × 30 D in (...
Masonite, Paper
1980's Philippe Starck "Pratfall" Leather Lounge Chair
By Philippe Starck
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic armchair model "Pratfall" by Philippe Starck for Italian manufacture Driade Aleph, circa 1985. The distinctive three-legged chair slightly larger, deeply comfortable wraps the...
Steel
Gio Ponti, First Edition Book
By TASCHEN, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
To study Gio Ponti’s prolific body of work is to appreciate the clear, unifying vision behind a complex creative universe. His creations expand intuitively with the Italian grandeur ...
Paper
$5,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.25 in W 42 in D 21 in
Pair Mid-Century Modern Gilded Mahogany Buffets Cabinets, circa 1950
By Alberto Mastroianni
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Mid-Century Modern gilded mahogany buffets cabinets, circa 1950, perfectly embodies the bold yet elegant aesthetic of the era. Each cabinet is constructed with a rich ma...
Gold Leaf
$1,185Sale Price|40% Off
H 30 in W 17 in D 61 in
Mid Century Mediterranean Revival Carved Oakwood Buffet Cabinet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Mediterranean Revival dining room buffet crafted with exquisitely carved drawer/cabinet fronts. Its elevated stature features brass drawer pulls and duel fold cabinet doo...
Brass
Rush Easy Chair
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Houston, TX
Easy chair in the style of Charlotte Perriand. The wood and rush are in great vintage condition. Wood is oak with a warm patina. A sculptural and organic piece.
Rush, Wood
Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia Dry Bar c. 1960's
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid century, Space Age classic, Broyhill Brasilia dry bar, featuring the signature sculpted raised walnut arches, and decorative modernist brass drawer pulls. The top, constru...
Brass
Art Deco Italian Walnut and Velvet Armchair and Ottoman, 1920s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Armchair and ottoman. From the early Art Deco period of Northern Italy, in walnut and ivory velvet upholstery, the chair's back is gracefully curved and extends to accentuate the cur...
Velvet, Walnut
Brasilia Walnut Credenza by Broyhill
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well-crafted Brasilia Mid Century modern walnut credenza with three drawers to one end and to the other two doors with storage and a fixed shelve. The lower leg area has an op...
Walnut
$3,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 34.5 in D 35.5 in
Pair of Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Leather Vela Alta Chairs
By Giovanni Offredi, Fratelli Saporiti
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of organic shaped, cream leather lounge chairs by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti. A classic design by Offredi. Who began working with th...
Steel, Chrome
$33,250 / set
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 39.38 in
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Lounge Set for Mobilier International, 1971
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” lounge set for Mobilier International, black leather and steel, France, 1971 The "Alta" lounge chair, designed by Oscar Niem...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Broyhill Brasilia Expanding Walnut Bar Cart
By Oscar Niemeyer, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Chattanooga, TN
An emblematic jewel of mid-century modern design, this Broyhill Brasilia serving cart is a refined fusion of form, function, and architectural inspiration. Conceived in the early 196...
Brass
Sold
H 33.47 in W 29.53 in D 40.56 in
"Alta" Lounge chair and Ottoman by Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier International
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Black Leather Lounge chair and Ottoman Model 'Alta' by Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier International - 1970s - 2 Available
Steel
Sold
H 33.47 in W 29.53 in D 40.56 in
"Alta" Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier International
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model 'Alta' by Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier International - New Upholstery
Steel
Chaise Lounge Model Rio by Oscar Niemeyer for Fasem, Italy
By Oscar Niemeyer, Fasem International
Located in Milan, Italy
A sculptural rocking Rio chaise lounge, designed in 1978, contemporary edition. Base composed of three elements including supple ribbons of molded darkened ...
Leather, Ash
Sold
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 43.31 in
Oscar Niemeyer Armchair and Ottoman Model "Alta", circa 1975 White Leather
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Oscar Niemeyer armchair and ottoman model "Alta", circa 1975. Rare fireside chairs and its ottoman model "Alta" with adjustable seats and backrests in thick cushions upholstered in w...
Stainless Steel
Osca Niemeyer pair of Aran armchairs for Aran Line, Firenze Italy, 1975
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Padova, IT
Oscar Niemeyer pair of "Aran" armchairs for Aran Line, Florence, 1975. Mirror polished stainless steel structure, brown leather, manufacturer's mark embossed on the frame. Literature...
Steel
Sold
H 31.11 in W 29.53 in D 41.34 in
Mid-Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model 'Alta' by Oscar Niemeyer
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model 'Alta' by Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier International, 1970s Dimensions D: 105 -75 cm (41.34-29.53") H: 79 - 48 cm (31.10-18.90") W:...
Fabric
Sold
H 33.5 in W 68 in D 22.5 in
Oscar Niemeyer Ebonized Ash, Leather "Rio" Chaise Longue Manufactured by Fasem
By Oscar Niemeyer, Fasem International
Located in Miami, FL
Oscar Niemeyer Ebonized Ash, Leather "Rio" Chaise Longue Manufactured by Fasem Offered for sale is an Oscar Niemeyer (Brazil, 1907-2012) ebonized ash and leather "Rio" chaise longue designed in 1978 and manufactured in Italy by Fasem International c2022. This wonderful rocking chaise is an iconic design from the famous Brazilian architect and designer. Oscar Niemeyer made modernist architecture sexy. In his signature designs, such as those for the planned capital city of Brasília, Niemeyer created a distinctively buoyant architectural vocabulary of sweeping curves, flowing lines, and organic forms (attributes that also characterize his seductive furniture). As expressions of faith in the power of modern architecture and design to foster progress, Niemeyer’s buildings have a kind of heroic poetry. “I am not attracted to straight angles or to the straight line, hard and inflexible, created by man,” Niemeyer would write in his memoirs. “I am attracted to free-flowing sensual curves.” In the early 1970s, Niemeyer began collaborating on furniture designs with his daughter, Anna Maria Niemeyer. Their best-known pieces are seating furniture — the Alta lounge chair and ottoman and the Rio rocking chaise...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 29.14 in D 43.31 in
Oscar Niemeyer Armchair and Ottoman Model "Alta", circa 1975 Leather Black
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Oscar Niemeyer armchair and ottoman model "Alta", circa 1975. Rare fireside chairs and its ottoman model "Alta" with adjustable seats and backrests in thick cushions upholstered in b...
Stainless Steel
Oscar Niemeyer: Works in Progress, Hard Cover with Dust Jacket, 1958
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Oscar Niemeyer: Works in Progress, Hard Cover with Dust Jacket, 1958 Second Printing Printed in the USA by Reinhold Publishing Corporation "in good vintage conditions" "some rips ...
Paper
Broyhill Brasilia Credenza Cabinet
By Broyhill Brasilia, Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Brasilia Credenza was delicately restored to preserve the original patina. The Brasilia line has elevated to a high-end status that has made these pieces very sought after and s...
Walnut
Oscar Niemeyer Armchair and Ottoman Model "Alta" - Circa 1974
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Iconic "Alta" lounge chair with Icone, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and manufactured by Mobilier International in France. In steel with Nubuck leather covering, yea...
Stainless Steel