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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oscar Niemeyer “Alta” Lounge Set for Mobilier International, 1971
By Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
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, 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
1970s Alta Lounge Chair Attributed to Oscar Niemeyer for Mobilier Intl of France
By Oscar Niemeyer, Mobilier International
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 “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
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
$11,233
H 25.6 in W 76.78 in D 39.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Twins Chaise Longue, Beige Fabric, Handmade by Greenapple
By Rute Martins, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Twins Chaise Longue, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Twins chaise longue and its matching...
Walnut, Oak, Linen, Mohair, Fabric, Leather, Cotton, Velvet, Bouclé, Wood
$2,234 / set
H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 20.48 in
Set of five mid-century modern leather chairs, Italy, 1970s
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Set of Five Mid-Century Modern Leather Chairs, Italy, 1970s Embrace the essence of timeless design with this exceptional set of five mid-century modern chairs, crafted in Italy duri...
Metal
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern Lucite Folding Chairs, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very nice set of four mid century modern Lucite folding chairs. Great to have when you need that extra seating for your dinner party. Fold ...
Chrome
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
$4,020
H 24.81 in W 63.78 in D 24.81 in
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chaise Lounge by Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Chaise longue designed by American designer Adrian Pearsall. The frame is made of walnut, with a beautiful curved shape, and upholstered in white loop pile. The chaise longue has bee...
Bouclé, Walnut
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
Harvey Probber Style Chaise Lounge, Mid-Century Modern
By Edward Wormley, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Harvey Probber
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid century modern chaise lounge newly upholstered in Kravet velvet. A piece most likely by Harvey Probber, although we have been unable to confirm. The frame is in very...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Chaise Lounge, Hardwood & Boucle, Brazil
By Liceu de Artes e Ofícios
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural chaise lounge, attributed to the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, was produced in Brazil during the 1960s, a period when Brazilian modern furniture reached full maturity—bal...
Hardwood, Bouclé
Finn Juhl Teak FD-136 Lounge Chair for COM
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model FD-136 Lounge Chair, designed by Finn Juhl for France and Daverkosen, imported by John Stuart. The sculptural teak frame features the Danish designer’s signature floating backr...
Teak
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
$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 Mobilier International, Oscar Niemeyer
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, 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
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 Fasem International, Oscar Niemeyer
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 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
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 Fasem International, Oscar Niemeyer
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 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 b...
Stainless Steel
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
Sold
H 32.68 in W 99.61 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Modern Marquesa by Oscar and Anna Maria Niemeyer, Brazil, 1970s
By Oscar Niemeyer, Anna Maria Niemeyer
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Marquesa by Brazilian designers Oscar and Anna Maria Niemeyer, Brazil, 1970s The celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer, best known for his iconic design of civic bu...
Cane, Plywood
Oscar Niemeyer Alta chair & ottoman Mobilier International
By Oscar Niemeyer
Located in Padova, IT
Oscar Niemeyer Alta chair for Mobilier International, France. 1970s. Brushed steel structure joined by plastic knobs, movable backrest, black...
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