Museum of Art

Sao Paulo Culture

The São Paulo Museum of Art, known in São Paulo as MASP, was established October 2, 1947 and officially opened to the public in 1948. It was founded by the Italian journalist Assis Chateaubriand, and designed by Lina Bo Bardi, the same lady who designed the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art.

Assis Chateaubriand founded the museum because of his great appreciation for the arts and his desire to make art more accessible to the public. Initially he intended for the museum to be built in Rio de Janeiro, but lack of a suitable business case had him build in São Paulo instead.

The collection at the Museum of Art is the most important collection in the southern hemisphere and is considered an international treasure. The art displayed here is sourced from around the world, much of it from Europe, France, Italy, America, and Brazil. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts many visiting art collections in its large exhibition room. This museum is one of the few Brazilian museums which regularly receives international exhibits.

The museum is located along the famous Paulista Avenue and is a great source of pride for São Paulo's art community. The design of the building itself is unique - its intricately designed pillars give the illusion the building is floating above the ground.

Hotels in Sao Paulo        Sao Paulo Hotels Sao Paulo is located in the south-eastern corner of Brazil, in the state of Sao Paulo. This great city is particularly famous for Paulista Avenue; its magnificent churches, museums, and cultural events; its soccer teams; and the São Paulo Carnival. Search for Brazil Hotels