Jorge Zalszupin: Warsaw-born architect becomes Brazilian icon

Jorge Zalszupin, born Jerzy Zalszupin in Warsaw in 1922, became a defining figure of Brazilian Modernism. After fleeing Poland to Romania during the Holocaust, he studied architecture in Budapest and later participated in the reconstruction of Dunkirk, France. In 1949, he emigrated to Brazil, where he received citizenship and adopted the name 'Jorge.' His practice, L'Atelier, grew to employ over 200 people, producing futuristic furniture with curved laminates and plastic. Notable works include the Dinamarquesa armchair and the Tea Trolley. In 1962, Oscar Niemeyer invited him to furnish Brasília, the new capital. His former residence in São Paulo now houses Casa Museu Zalszupin, founded and directed by Lissa Carmona, CEO and curator of ETEL. Carmona curated the exhibition 'Warsaw – São Paulo – Milan. Jorge Zalszupin’s Brazilian Modernism' at Torre Velasca, Milan, from April 20–24, 2026, during Milan Design Week. The show was also designed by curator Maria Murawsky. Zalszupin died in 2020 in São Paulo.