Art galleries and museums to visit in São Paulo housed in great structures

São Paulo is a city brimming with culture, offering a rich array of art galleries and museums set within remarkable architectural landmarks. From iconic institutions like the Museu do Ipiranga to contemporary art spaces designed by world-renowned architects, such as the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and Instituto Cultural Tomie Ohtake, the city provides an exceptional artistic experience. New cultural venues, like Casa Bradesco, continue to shape the city’s evolving cultural landscape. Here’s our guide to the must-visit art spaces and museums to visit in São Paulo.

The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)

MASP, São Paulo Museum of Art. Image credit Wilfredor.

#FLODown: The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), designed by the renowned Italian-born Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi, is celebrated for its innovative design and extensive collection of over 10,000 works, spanning from antiquity to the 21st century. The museum features masterpieces by European artists like Raphael and Van Gogh, as well as a diverse range of Brazilian art. MASP is also known for its reintroduction of Bo Bardi’s iconic glass easels, transforming the display of artworks. Recent notable exhibitions include Francis Bacon: The Beauty of Meat (2024), exploring the visceral depiction of the human form; Indigenous Histories (2023), showcasing diverse Indigenous perspectives; and Queer Histories (2024), highlighting queer narratives through art. We highly recommend visiting MASP on a Sunday when Paulista Avenue is closed to traffic, turning the area into a vibrant and fun community hub filled with music, art, food, and drink.

Location: Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand Av. Paulista, 1578 - Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01310-200, Brazil. Website: masp.org Instagram: @masp

Pinacoteca do Estado

Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo. Image credit fritz kintz, modified by Hector.carvalho.

#FLODown:The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, established in 1905, is the city’s oldest art museum, offering an extensive collection of Brazilian art from the 19th century to the present. Housed in a historic building designed by architect Ramos de Azevedo and renovated by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, it features about 9,000 works, including contemporary art and a permanent collection of sculptures by Victor Brecheret.

Dan Lie’s To Let It Go at Pinacoteca Luz, São Paulo, Brazil, 2024

The museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, with notable past shows including Rosana Paulino: The Sewing of Memory (2018/2019), exploring themes of race and gender, and Antonio Obá: Revoada (2020), focusing on Afro-Brazilian identity. More recently, Sallisa Rosa: Topografia da Memória (2024) exploring memory and identity, and Antonio Obá’s Revoada (2023–2024) delved into the experiences of marginalised communities. It’s a great place to visit for those looking to gain a deeper perspective on Brazilian art and for those with an appreciation of the building’s impressive architecture.

Location:Pinacoteca do Estado, Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz, São Paulo - SP, 01120-010, Brazil. Price: Fee for entry.

Website: pinacoteca.org.br Instagram: @pinacotecasp

Casa Bradesco

Casa Bradesco, São Paulo, Brazil. Image credit MTotoe. 

#FLODown: Casa Bradesco, a new cultural space in São Paulo, is located in the Matarazzo Complex in Bela Vista. Created to expand Bradesco’s cultural initiatives, it provides a venue for art, architecture, and community engagement. Its inaugural exhibition, Inflamação by Anish Kapoor, features over 20 large sculptures that explore human relationships and the concept of “what makes you inflame?”

Inflamação by Anish Kapoor at Casa Bradesco. Image credit MTotoe.

The space is situated in a vibrant part of São Paulo, just next door to the Rosewood São Paulo and a short walk from the newly opened Soho House São Paulo. More importantly, the venue boasts an incredible bookstore and a beautiful green space at the entrance, with a series of greenhouses scattered around.

Green space at Casa Bradesco. Image credit MTotoe.

These greenhouses house a coffee shop and shops selling unique, curated items. It’s a great space that we expect will host a series of fantastic exhibitions in the upcoming years—definitely one to visit and soak in the art scene of São Paulo.

Location: Casa Bradesco, Alameda Rio Claro, 190, Bela Vista inside Matarazzo Complex. Price: Fee for entry. Instagram: @casabradesco

Instituto Cultural Tomie Ohtake

Instituto Cultural Tomie Ohtake, São Paulo, Brazil. Image credit by MTotoe.

#FLODown: The Tomie Ohtake Institute, inaugurated in 2001 and designed by architect Ruy Ohtake in honour of his mother, the renowned Japanese-Brazilian artist Tomie Ohtake, is a prominent cultural institution in São Paulo. Dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from the past six decades, the institute has hosted significant exhibitions featuring both national and international artists, including Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. Its facilities include seven exhibition rooms, a café, bookstore, and a shop offering high-quality tote bags that we love.

Location: Av. Faria Lima, 201 (Cj. 1.500), Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05426-100, Brazil. Website: institutotomieohtake.org.br Instagram: @institutotomieohtake

Japan House São Paulo

Japan House São Paulo. © Tatewaki Nio.

#FLODown: Located on São Paulo’s iconic Paulista Avenue, Japan House São Paulo is a striking cultural venue designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Since its opening in April 2017, the space has become a prominent cultural destination, attracting millions of visitors. The building features a facade made of 70-year-old Kiso hinoki cypress and washi paper, crafted by a team of skilled Japanese artisans.

Japan House São Paulo. © Tatewaki Nio.

Previous exhibitions have delved into themes like the versatility of bamboo in Japanese craftsmanship and the innovative work of architect Kengo Kuma. More recent displays have focused on Japan's influence on global design and the profound connection between nature and minimalist art.

Location: Japan House Sao Paulo, Avenida Paulista, 52, Bela Vista – São Paulo/SP. Website: japanhouse.jp Instagram: @japanhousesp.

Musume of modern art (MAM)

The São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM).

#FLODown: The São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM), founded in 1948 and located in Ibirapuera Park, is a cornerstone of Brazil’s cultural scene, housing over 5,000 works by notable Brazilian artists like Anita Malfatti and Emiliano Di Cavalcanti, alongside international figures such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. Known for promoting experimental and contemporary art, MAM is also home to the Panorama of Brazilian Art, a renowned biennial exhibition held every two years to spotlight contemporary art from across the country. The 38th edition, titled Mil graus (A Thousand Degrees), is currently being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo (MAC USP) due to renovations at MAM. Featuring 34 artists and over 130 works, including 79 new pieces, this year’s exhibition explores Brazil’s socio-political climate through the theme of transformative heat. Designed by Lina Bo Bardi, MAM’s facilities also include a beautifully integrated sculpture garden by Roberto Burle Marx.

Location: São Paulo Museum of Modern Art, Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n° - Vila Mariana, São Paulo - SP, 04094-000, Brazil. Website:  mam.org Instagram: @mamsaopaulo.

The Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo

Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo (MAC USP).

#FLODown: Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo (MAC USP), founded in 1963, is located just across from Ibirapuera Park in an impressive building designed by Oscar Niemeyer, it houses Brazil’s best collection of post-1960 art, including sculptures, paintings, prints, and photographs, with works by renowned artists like Picasso and Matisse. The museum spans eight floors of exhibitions, and its rooftop offers breathtaking 360° views of São Paulo, including Ibirapuera Park and the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, home to the prestigious São Paulo Biennial.

View from the 8th floor of Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo. Image credit MTotoe.

The Museum has hosted key exhibitions, including Lygia Clark’s 2018 retrospective, which highlighted her pioneering work in interactive art, and Tarsila do Amaral’s 2017 showcase, celebrating her role in Brazilian modernism. In 2023, MAC USP featured an exhibition on Lina Bo Bardi, focusing on her influential architectural contributions. Currently, the museum is hosting the 38th edition of the Panorama da Arte Brasileira, Mil Graus, while the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) undergoes renovations. MAC USP offers free admission.

Location: Av Pedro Álvares Cabral 1301. Parque Ibirapuera Price: Free.Website: mac.usp.br. Instagram: @mac_usp

Museu do Ipiranga

Museu Paulista da USP.Image credit Webysther.

#FLODown: The Museu Paulista da USP, also known as the Museu do Ipiranga, is a historic museum located in São Paulo, celebrating Brazil’s independence. Originally part of the State Museum and incorporated into the University of São Paulo (USP) in 1963, it houses a collection of around 450,000 items. The museum’s grand baroque-style building, completed in 1895, is situated near the site where Dom Pedro I declared Brazil’s sovereignty in 1822. After nearly a decade of renovations, led by H+F Arquitetos, the museum reopened in late 2022, blending modern elements with its historical character. It is an important cultural landmark, providing an opportunity to explore Brazil's heritage and the architectural significance of the space.

Location: Parque da Independência - Ipiranga, São Paulo - SP, 04263-000, Brazil. Price: Fee for entry. Website: museudoipiranga.org.br Instagram: @museudoipiranga

Casa das Rosas

Casa das Rosas. Image credit MTotoe.

#FLODown: Casa das Rosas is a unique cultural space that offers a perfect blend of history, literature, and relaxation. The mansion, built in by the Ramos de Azevedo studio, is one of the few remaining symbols of São Paulo’s coffee baron era. Its beautiful rose garden provides a peaceful retreat, making it an ideal place to unwind. In 2004, the space was renamed Espaço Haroldo de Campos de Poesia e Literatura (Haroldo de Campos Space for Poetry and Literature), in honor of the poet and his contributions to Brazilian literature. Throughout the year, the house hosts a variety of activities, including courses, workshops, and exhibitions dedicated to poetry and literature, offering a deeper connection to Brazilian literary heritage. In addition, the charming coffee shop serves excellent coffee and a selection of Italian dishes and desserts. Located opposite Japan House São Paulo and on the same road as MASP, it is an ideal location to finish a cultural tour with coffee and Italian bites.

Location: Av. Paulista, 37, Bela Vista, 01311-902, SP - BR. Price: Free.Website: casadasrosas.org. Instagram: @casadasrosa

Street Art

Street art at Batman Alley. Image credit MTotoe.

#FLODown: Brazilian street art is renowned worldwide for its vibrant, bold, and expressive styles, with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro being two of the most important cities to experience this dynamic art form. In São Paulo, one of the most iconic spots for street art is “Batman Alley” in the Vila Madalena district, where a dense collection of murals constantly evolves, reflecting the city’s creative energy. Often considered a tourist trap, we think it’s well worth a visit, especially since there are also fun bars and shops in the area. Other key locations include the sprawling murals of Beco do Aprendiz and the colourful works along Paulista Avenue, one of the city’s busiest and most iconic roads. São Paulo is also known for its unique approach to urban art—many tall buildings feature large-scale murals, a practice that is often discouraged or prohibited in other parts of the world. The city’s open embrace of street art means you can find murals in most locations around the city.

The São Paulo Biennial

The Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, home to the prestigious São Paulo Biennial. Image credit MTotoe.

If you are considering visiting São Paulo, consider timing your visit with the São Paulo Biennial. The São Paulo Biennial, hosted by the Fundação Bienal, is the largest contemporary art exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. Held every two years, it showcases itinerant exhibitions in various cities across Brazil and internationally. The next edition will take place from September 2025 to January 2026, curated by Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung. Titled Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice, the biennial will explore humanity as an evolving, active practice, focusing on themes such as rethinking relationships, addressing social and economic inequalities, and reflecting on the legacies of colonialism.

Click here to discover more about the 2025/2026 São Paulo Biennial.