Cherished by locals for its broad collection of Brazilian art and its role as the oldest gallery in São Paulo, the Pinacoteca do Estado is one of the city’s most popular cultural attractions. Visit the historic gallery to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Jardim da Luz. Today, the garden is home to the museum’s sculpture collection. Inside the museum building, explore the vast collection of paintings and sketches from Brazilian and international artists. Peruse the comprehensive bookstore for souvenirs and keepsakes or relax with a coffee at the museum café.
Start your day with a brisk walk around Jardim da Luz. The park is among the oldest in São Paulo and the site of the Pinacoteca do Estado’s sculpture garden. Sit on the terrace of the museum café to ease into your day with a warm drink and a snack. Admire the architecture of the historic building that has housed the gallery since 1905. The museum was transformed in the 1990s to become one of the most progressive galleries in Brazil, but its historic identity was kept intact.
Venture inside to see the remainder of the collection. If you crave more sculpture work, climb the stairs to the second floor to find the Tactile Gallery of Brazilian Sculpture. Explore the rest of the museum’s nearly 9,000 works. The museum has a focus on Brazilian artists from the 19th and 20th centuries notable names include Oscar Pereira da Silva, Antônio Parreiras and Almeida Junior.
Make your way to the first floor to see what temporary exhibitions are being hosted by the museum. Since its redevelopment in the 1990s, the Pinacoteca do Estado has seen many of the world’s most popular travelling exhibitions pass through its doors. Stop by the museum store to buy posters and postcards from the collections.
The Pinacoteca do Estado is located in central São Paulo and the Luz subway station is immediately outside the entrance. Those arriving by car will find metered parking on the streets surrounding the museum. The Pinacoteca do Estado is closed Mondays and admission is free on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
