Location Spotlight: a filming paradise in Minas Gerais

Mariane De Luca • Jul 12, 2023

With its sprawling gardens, vast collection of plants, and a rich history, the Instituto Inhotim has become a sought-after location for all kinds of audiovisual productions.

Less than 90 minutes away from Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais, lies the town of Brumadinho. Here, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the Institute Inhotim (Instituto Inhotim). This unique destination seamlessly combines art and nature, creating a truly unparalleled experience.


Once a humble farm with infertile soil, entrepreneur Bernardo de Mello Paz envisioned a remarkable transformation — in 2006 the place became
one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Today, Inhotim stands as a magnificent blend of contemporary art museums and botanical gardens.

Coloful monument in Inhotim

Located between the biomes of the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, Inhotim boasts a privileged location that sets the stage for an immersive experience. Spanning over 140 hectares (98.8 acres), this unique destination showcases approximately 700 artworks by over 60 artists hailing from nearly 40 countries. The museums and exhibits are nestled among the landscape of an astonishing collection of botanical gardens which house over 4,300 rare botanical species sourced from every corner of the globe.


Inhotim as a film location

Besides its remarkable art and botanical treasures, Inhotim has served as a backdrop for renowned films and documentaries. We have highlighted a selection of productions shot in Inhotim in this breathtaking scenic beauty in Minas Gerais.


01 Series: 3% (2016)

Poster for the seaon 3 of the series

The acclaimed Brazilian series 3% used Instituto Inhotim as a main setting for its intriguing storyline. Set in a future world, the series portrays a society divided into two distinct factions. The young population competes fiercely to prove their worth, aiming to become part of the coveted 3%, and attain a place on the exclusive Maralto, a paradisiacal island . 


Inhotim's stunning gardens and the iconic pavilions created by artists Adriana Varejão and Hélio Oiticica created the set for Maralto, accessible only for the privileged few who successfully passed the rigorous selection process. Inhotim was chosen for its lush and futuristic ambiance, and welcomed hundreds of technical crew members and extras during two intense days of recordings. The team's biggest challenge was to coordinate filming with the presence of those visiting the garden.

Netflix | Promotion material

02 Feature film: O Jardim Secreto de Mariana (2021)

Poster for the movie

Brazilian filmmaker Sérgio Rezende has also selected Inhotim as a location for his recent feature film, O Jardim Secreto de Mariana, a picture focusing themes of love and motherhood, and using the picturesque gardens surrounding the Institute's open gallery. The story revolves around a couple immersed in a paradisiacal setting, where they cultivate flowers and organic food. 


The film's narrative alternates between the idyllic atmosphere of Inhotim and life in the town of Brumadinho. However, it’s the beauty of Inhotim's botanical gardens that truly stands out. During the filming process, the director was only authorised to film in the outdoor spaces, as the inclusion of the museum's artworks would have required paying copyrights to the respective artists.

H2O Films | Facebook


03 TV Series: Arquitetos (2016)


The TV series Arquitetos, aired on Canal Curta!, focused on how architecture permeates our daily lives, shedding light on the philosophies that drive the work of some of Latin America's greatest architects and firms. Directed by Herbert Henning, the series featured a talented cast of seven independent architects and representatives from six prominent architecture firms.


Embarking on a journey across Brazil, they conducted interviews at significant landmarks in various cities, capturing the essence of architectural brilliance. Inhotim Institute was among the locations in an episode that showcased Arquitetos Associados, an office based in Belo Horizonte. 


The episode included the participation of architects Carlos Alberto Maciel, Alexandre Brasil, Paula Zasnicoff Cardoso, André Prado, and Bruno Santa Cecília. The group's portfolio stands out throughout Inhotim. They designed several pavilion projects, dedicated to works by important artists. Their approach emphasises
functional architecture, resisting the idea of authorial architecture, and establishing a meaningful dialogue between the architectural space and the artwork.


04 Documentary series: Inhotim - Arte Presente (2018)

Lake in Inhotim

Originally released in 2018 on the Curta! television channel, the documentary series Inhotim - Arte Presente also became available on Netflix in 2020. Directed by filmmaker Pedro Urano and consisting of 13 episodes, the series gained recognition at the 18th Brazilian Cinema Grand Prix. 


The first three episodes focus on the institute's facilities and operations, through conversations with botanists, curators, and the
visionary behind it all: Bernardo Paz. Subsequently, the series delves into the artistic journeys of renowned figures in contemporary art. One of them, Tunga, received special attention: his gallery, True Rouge, was the first to be established on the institute's grounds back in 2008. The artist played a central role in the transformation of Inhotim into a publicly accessible museum.


05 TV Series: Museus a Céu Aberto (2019)


In 2019, the series Museus a Céu Aberto, directed by Karina Ades, and aired on the Arte 1 channel, took viewers on a mesmerising journey through eight episodes, exploring prominent art galleries integrated with nature in several countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Switzerland and Brazil.


True to its mission, the series, premiering in November 2019, dedicated a full episode to showcase the remarkable Inhotim Institute.


Renowned for housing one of Brazil's
most significant collections of contemporary art, Inhotim captivated audiences with its awe-inspiring beauty and artistic treasures.


Why Inhotim is a prime filming destination

Unique architecture in Inhotim

Beyond its cinematic appeal, Inhotim offers a multitude of attractions that make it an ideal setting for audiovisual projects. The museum's vast and diverse landscape provides a stunning backdrop for any production. The place contains lush gardens, expansive forests, and serene lakes, offering a diverse range of captivating settings for filming.


Furthermore, the distinctive sculptures, installations, and exhibits found throughout the institute results in an artistic and visually striking element to any film or production. Also, Inhotim's unique combination of art and nature creates a distinct atmosphere that evokes a sense of wonder and adds depth and richness to any story being told on screen.


Additionally, Inhotim's well-maintained facilities and professional staff, who have experience working with film crews, make it an ideal and accommodating location for filming.


Lastly, the international recognition and acclaim that Inhotim has garnered make it an attractive choice for filmmakers seeking a distinctive and memorable setting, besides adding prestige and charm to any project filmed within its facilities.


Tifyyy | Pixabay

Inhotim nature's landscape

Story Productions understands the importance of finding extraordinary settings like Inhotim for your projects. By providing full production services in Brazil, we can facilitate access, assist with necessary permits, and ensure a smooth filming process. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest content related to the Brazilian film industry, articles on our productions, and helpful insights into other filming locations across the country.

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