The Story of the Foundation
Art springs from personality, so it is only through personality that it can be revealed.
— Oscar Wilde
A Heritage of Intellectual Engagement and Creativity
Our family discussions often delved into politics, a subject deeply connected to my heritage through Careta, the influential weekly magazine founded by my great-grandfather Jorge Schmidt. It was subsequently led by my grandfather, Roberto Schmidt, and after by my grandmother, Maria Carolina Burle Schmidt, for over half a century. More than just a publication, Careta was a cultural institution epitomising intellectual courage and social commentary. It gathered Brazil's most esteemed writers and scholars, positioning itself as a beacon of intellectual freedom—a crucible of ideas that influenced Brazil's intellectual life. With remarkable intentionality, Roberto was determined to ensure I understood the rich intellectual legacy of our family, meticulously passing down the stories, insights, and critical perspectives. He employed the magazine as a lens to discuss the country's complex social, political, and environmental landscape.
In addition to its intellectual impact, Careta also became a visual commentary on Brazilian society, thanks to the distinctive covers by J. Carlos. Brazil's master of visual satire, J. Carlos transformed the magazine covers with his sharp, witty illustrations that blended humour, social critique, and artistic elegance. His work, blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, tackled themes of politics, urban life, and culture, offering both a critique and a reflection of Brazilian society in the early to mid-20th century.
The covers presented here were lovingly selected by my beloved mother, Vera Burle Schmidt Dubeux, who, at the glorious age of 85, can no longer read the texts on the covers from her iPhone but remembers each one vividly from memory.
Assuring Roberto’s Legacy:
A New Year’s Eve at Copacabana
My close collaboration with Roberto on several projects allowed me to engage deeply with his processes and ideas, witnessing his relentless curiosity and profound reverence for the living world. It helped me appreciate his vision and commitment to the finest standards of art and ecological preservation, which left an indelible mark on me.
In 1989, Roberto, William Howard Adams (guest curator for Roberto's solo exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in New York), and I were selecting works for Roberto Burle Marx: The Unnatural Art of the Garden at MoMA. After a productive day, Howard and I persuaded Roberto to spend New Year's Eve at my home on Avenida Atlântica, where we enjoyed a perfect view of one of his most iconic masterpieces, the Copacabana Beach Promenade. It was the first time he celebrated New Year's Eve in Copacabana—a celebration widely regarded as the most beautiful popular festivity in the world.
Roberto’s Copacabana promenade boasts an impressive mosaic that spans 2.8 miles. It is meticulously crafted in the traditional Portuguese stone paving style (calçada portuguesa)—a technique celebrated for its artistic precision, durability, intricate beauty, and craftsmanship.
On the morning of 31st December, Roberto arrived at my home, radiating excitement for his overnight stay at my flat. He was eager to call the florist to order roses for our tribute to Iemanjá, the Queen of the Sea, as is the tradition of Afro-Brazilian religions during New Year’s Eve. When asked how many we wanted, Roberto simply replied, "All of them." The florist took it literally, and soon my house overflowed with roses. Every vase was filled, and even the bathtubs became makeshift containers for the abundant bouquets.
While the flowers continued to arrive and we arranged the bouquets, Roberto stood at the window, gazing out at Copacabana beach and his Promenade. However the missing sections of his mosaic, where stones had become dislodged, left him deeply dismayed. As Roberto and I paused for a moment, the idea for what is today The Roberto Burle Marx Foundation was conceived, as I assured him that I would protect and preserve his legacy.
Later, as the empty spaces in the mosaic began to disappear beneath the feet of the arriving revellers, and by the evening, when around two million people, all dressed in white as is tradition, had gathered, Roberto saw his creation—the entire promenade—come alive, covered by the spirit of celebration.
At midnight, we went down to the shore to offer the roses to Iemanjá. As the waves carried the flowers away, Roberto’s expression softened. Inspired by the way his Promenade had come alive that night, I then asked him what we should do with the remaining roses, and he told me to give them back to Rio.
Roses for Rio
Taking his suggestion literally, I flew over Rio de Janeiro in a helicopter, scattering the petals he had given me across the city. Through this act, in Roberto's name, I paid a poetic tribute to the city he loved so deeply. Deep down, it was also a tribute to him—someone who not only cherished but elevated the beauty of our city, a beauty that seemed impossible to enhance.
I want to share these photos with you, offering a glimpse of Rio de Janeiro from the helicopter, with its breathtaking coastline and iconic landmarks unfolding below.
Establishing the Foundation:
Rio Launch 2023
Sítio Roberto Burle Marx
In February 2023, the Roberto Burle Marx Foundation was officially launched at the Sítio Roberto Burle Marx in Rio de Janeiro. It was an incredibly moving experience to see the Sítio come to life, just as it had been during Roberto Burle Marx’s lifetime.
The celebration featured magnificent, oversized floral arrangements crafted by Marlon Souza, who faithfully reproduced Burle Marx’s iconic designs, an extraordinary array of Brazilian cuisine, and a remarkable harpsichord performance by Rosana Lanzelotti in the chapel. The launch brought together artists, environmentalists, architects, and admirers of Burle Marx’s work. Among the distinguished guests were His Grace, The Duke of Rutland, now President of the Roberto Burle Marx Foundation, Claudia Storino, Director of the Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, whose stewardship has been instrumental in preserving the site as a living tribute to Roberto’s legacy, and Dr Roberio Dias, a member of the Advisory Board of The Roberto Burle Marx Foundation, whose expertise and dedication have greatly contributed to its mission.
Special thanks were also extended to Paula Rocha, whose invaluable support and dedication made this memorable event possible.
The event was attended by Burle Marx’s family members, close friends, supporters, and many of the Sítio’s employees and their descendants, who continue to care for and nurture this extraordinary space.
Seeing the Sítio so full of life was unforgettable, a true reflection of its essence and Burle Marx’s vision. The evening was a tribute to the vibrancy, creativity, and community that defined his legacy, shared with those who have played an integral role in sustaining it.
Establishing the Foundation:
London Launch 2024
Briazilian Ambassador's Residence
In June 2024, the Roberto Burle Marx Foundation was officially inaugurated in London at the residence of Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Patriota. The event welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including His Grace, The Duke of Rutland, as well as forty attendees who travelled from abroad, among them Dr Izabella Monica Teixeira, PhD, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel - UN Environment and former Brazilian Minister of the Environment.
The evening featured a beautiful piano recital by Roberta Dubeux Springer, and the residence was adorned with exquisite floral arrangements crafted by Roderick Charles, reflecting the natural beauty central to Roberto Burle Marx’s legacy.
The celebration was intimate and elegant, embodying the global recognition of Roberto’s work and the Foundation’s mission to preserve his extraordinary contributions to art, landscape design, and environmental conservation. It was a truly unforgettable evening, celebrating Roberto’s vision and sharing his enduring influence with a broader audience, further solidifying his legacy on the international stage.
As we hosted our inaugural public engagement at London's Royal Academy of Arts in January 2025, we are excited to further amplify Roberto Burle Marx's esteemed legacy on the world stage. Our mission is clear: to ensure that his groundbreaking contributions to art and environmental conservation continue to inspire and challenge future generations. We aim to bridge cultures and deepen our collective relationship with the natural world, further establishing Burle Marx's influence as a pivotal figure in both artistic and ecological dialogues globally.'
Andréa Burle Webb
Founder
A Note From the Founder
'Establishing the Foundation has been an extraordinarily personal journey. Drawn by an inexorable connection to my uncle Roberto in the late 1980s, I began spending more time at Sítio than at any other family place. I immersed myself in his life, sharing quiet moments, reading newspapers to him while he painted, hosting friends and events, discussing his projects, and accompanying him to various events and travels. His boundless creativity and passion were like a volcano in eruption—a force of nature whose genius was awe-inspiring.
With great joy, I invite you to explore these photographs, offering a glimpse into the intimate, everyday life at Sítio. Once simply another family home, it has since been celebrated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a testament to its profound cultural and historical significance.
Our Collaborators & Sponsors
Roberto Burle Marx tending flowers at his home © Burle Marx Landscape Design Studio, Rio de Janeiro.
The photographs used in galleries: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 on this page are © Burle Marx Foundation Archives. All rights reserved.