From artists to professionals, politicians, and athletes among others, people from Brasilia have indeed left their marks in various fields throughout the world. But from all the famous personalities who came from the city, it must be Juscelino Kubitschek and Oscar Niemeyer who’ve had the greatest contribution in Brasilia.

Juscelino Kubitschek

Also referred to as JK, Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira was born on the 12th of September 1902 in Diamantina, Minas Gerais. Brazil’s president from 1956 through 1961, Kubitschek’s term was marked by relative prosperity in the country as well as stability in politics.  Probably the greatest legacy left by him was the construction of Brasilia in 1956.

Although the concept of building a new capital for Brazil has already been floating since the late 18th Century, it was Kubitschek who initiated its enactment. Brasilia was considered to be his “darling” that he was in full support for the project.

Today, honoring his contribution for the establishment of Brasilia, a museum called Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial was built on the Monumental Axis’ western side.

Oscar Niemeyer

Another key personality in making Brasilia what it is today is Oscar Ribeiro de Almeida Niemeyer Soares Filho or simply, Oscar Niemeyer. A young architect then, the Brazilian has a specialty in modern architecture that’s intentional. And so while Lúcio Costa won a competition for the plan of the city, Niemeyer was appointed by Juscelino Kubitschek who was the president of the country then.