São Paulo Museum of Art
São Paulo
The São Paulo Museum of Art, known as MASP, is a premier art museum located in São Paulo, Brazil. Founded in 1947 by Assis Chateaubriand and Pietro Maria Bardi, it is celebrated for its pioneering role in Brazilian museology and art education. The museum's headquarters, designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi in 1968, is a landmark of modern Brazilian architecture featuring a bold concrete and glass structure with a distinctive 70-meter free span that creates a public plaza beneath. MASP houses one of the most important collections of European art in Latin America, alongside significant Brazilian, African, Asian, and decorative arts, totaling over 8,000 pieces. The museum has been a cultural hub offering workshops, art courses, and public programs since its early years, fostering a vibrant artistic community. Its collection and building are recognized as national heritage, symbolizing the fusion of art, culture, and modernist architecture in Brazil.
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Tip: The best time to visit MASP is during weekdays or in the morning to avoid crowds. Advance ticket purchase is recommended especially during special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and educators. Visitors should explore both the iconic Lina Bo Bardi building and the newer Pietro Maria Bardi annex connected via underground passage. Check the official website for updated opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •MASP's building features a 70-meter free span, making the space below a public plaza used for cultural events.
- •It was the first Brazilian museum to exhibit post-World War II art.
- •MASP holds one of the largest and most important collections of European art in the Southern Hemisphere.
- •The museum's collection is listed as Brazilian National Heritage by the Institute of History and Art.
- •Lina Bo Bardi, the architect of MASP's headquarters, is a celebrated figure in modern Brazilian architecture.
History
MASP was founded in 1947 amid São Paulo's rapid industrial and cultural growth post-World War II.
Initially located in the Diários Associados building, it quickly became a center for modern art and education in Brazil.
Architect Lina Bo Bardi designed the current iconic building in 1968, which revolutionized museum architecture in Brazil with its suspended concrete and glass structure.
Over the decades, MASP expanded its collections and cultural programs, establishing itself as a leading institution in Latin America.
In 2025, a new building honoring Pietro Maria Bardi was inaugurated, further enhancing the museum complex.
Place Guide
Lina Bo Bardi Building1968
The museum's main building, designed by Lina Bo Bardi in 1968, is a masterpiece of modern architecture featuring a suspended concrete and glass structure that creates a large open plaza underneath, symbolizing openness and public engagement with art.
Pietro Maria Bardi Annex2025
Opened in 2025, this newer building honors MASP's first director and founder Pietro Maria Bardi. It is connected to the original building by an underground passage, expanding exhibition and cultural spaces.
European Art Collection
One of the finest collections of European art in Latin America, featuring masterpieces from Renaissance to modern times, including works by Picasso and Rembrandt.
Brazilian Art and Cultural Programs
MASP houses an extensive collection of Brazilian art and offers workshops, educational courses, and cultural activities that have historically engaged artists, students, and the public.
Contact
Phone: (11) 3149-5959