A CASA🏛 museum
This museum is dedicated to Brazilian design and handicrafts, showcasing an impressive collection of everyday objects.
🌐 acasa.org.br🕒 Tu-Su 11:00-19:00
Plizio Visual Lab
São Paulo Museum of Art
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Latin America and a landmark of Brazilian modernist architecture. Designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi and inaugurated in 1968 on Paulista Avenue, the building is famous for its radical brutalist design. The main body of the museum is suspended over a 74-meter span by two massive red-painted concrete beams, creating a large open public space underneath known as the 'Vão Livre'. This plaza serves as a vital gathering point for cultural events, markets, and political demonstrations in the heart of the city. MASP houses the most important collection of European art in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring works by masters such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Picasso. A unique feature of the interior is the 'crystal easels' display, where paintings appear to float in space on transparent glass panels. The museum is protected as a national heritage site due to its historical and architectural significance.
- Location: Brazil
- Top sights: A CASA · Casa do Bandeirante · Museum of Football
- Nearby: Diadema (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 228 | 178 | 153 | 91 | 68 | 55 | 62 | 37 | 68 | 106 | 151 | 184 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
MASP is a public art museum open year-round. The permanent and temporary exhibitions in the interior spaces can be visited for an admission fee.
Typical hours
The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Mondays are generally closed except holidays; check seasonal hours.
Photography
Photography without flash in the exhibition halls is generally allowed. The famous cantilevered concrete structure features unique photo subjects from the street.
Time needed
A thorough visit of the collections takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Art lovers should allocate at least 3 hours to contemplate the works at leisure.
Combine with
MASP is located right on Avenida Paulista - combine the visit with a walk along this famous avenue. Nearby are also the Instituto Moreira Salles and Trianon Park.
Getting there
The museum is directly accessible by metro (Trianon-MASP station, Line 2). Many buses also stop on Avenida Paulista; paid parking is available in the area.
Insider tip
Visit MASP on a weekday morning to avoid long queues. Don't forget to enjoy the view from the outdoor staircase onto Avenida Paulista - a popular meeting spot.
Geography
Facts
- The current museum building was inaugurated on November 7, 1968.
- The clear span under the museum is exactly 74 meters long.
- It houses over 11,000 artworks including paintings and sculptures.
- The iconic red color of the beams was added during a renovation in 1990.
- The museum was founded in 1947 by Assis Chateaubriand.
- The glass display panels allow viewers to see the back of the paintings.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town São Paulo Museum of Art (18)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
On which day is entry to MASP free?
Entry is usually free all day every Tuesday.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Yes, but without flash and without a tripod; professional shots require authorization.
What is the most famous feature of the MASP building?
The huge free span under the main body supported by four red columns.
Where is the museum located?
It is located right on Avenida Paulista, São Paulo's most famous avenue.
What are the opening hours?
Typically Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesdays until 8:00 PM).
São Paulo Museum of Art: where is it located?
São Paulo Museum of Art is located in Brazil.
São Paulo Museum of Art: what is there to see?
Highlights include A CASA, Casa do Bandeirante, Museum of Football.
São Paulo Museum of Art: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
São Paulo Museum of Art: why is it worth visiting?
The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Latin America and a landmark of Brazilian modernist architecture.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Brazil →
Nearby cities
São Paulo
The largest city in South America and the economic hub of Brazil, known for its architecture and gastronomy.
Guarulhos
A major industrial city in the Greater São Paulo area, home to Brazil's largest international airport.
Campinas
A leading research and technology center in the interior of the state of São Paulo.
São Bernardo do Campo
A highly industrialized city in the São Paulo metropolitan area, historically considered the cradle of the Brazilian automotive industry.
São José dos Campos
The technological heart of Brazil, particularly known for its aerospace industry.
Osasco
An economically booming city next to São Paulo that has evolved from an industrial center into a hub for services.
Ribeirão Preto
A prosperous center for agriculture and commerce in the interior of the state of São Paulo, which grew rich historically through coffee.
Sorocaba
A historic industrial city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, valued for its high quality of life and modernity.
Santo André
An important industrial city in the Greater São Paulo area, part of the economically strong ABC region.
São José do Rio Preto
An important educational, health, and economic center in the northwest of the state of São Paulo.
Mauá
An important industrial center in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, known for petrochemicals.
Mogi das Cruzes
A traditional city in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, known for agriculture and universities.
Guaruja
Guarujá is a popular coastal resort city close to São Paulo, known as the Pearl of the Atlantic.
Sao Sebastiao
São Sebastião is a coastal municipality featuring some of the most famous beaches in the state, including Maresias.
Bertioga
Bertioga is a coastal city in São Paulo state offering 33 kilometers of beaches and a large portion of preserved Atlantic Forest.
History & landmarks
Monument to the Bandeiras
A giant granite sculpture in Ibirapuera Park, commemorating the expeditions into the interior of Brazil.
Obelisk of São Paulo
An impressive monument commemorating the 1932 Constitutionalist Revolution in São Paulo.
Edifício Copan
A massive sweeping residential building in downtown São Paulo, designed by Oscar Niemeyer.
Luz Station
A magnificent historic railway station assembled from prefabricated parts made in the UK.
Municipal Market of São Paulo
A famous historic market building known for giant mortadella sandwiches and beautiful stained glass windows.
Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge
The Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge, commonly known as Ponte Estaiada, is a unique cable-stayed bridge in São Paulo and a modern symbol …
More places
Aquarium of São Paulo
One of the largest aquariums in South America, housing polar bears and kangaroos in addition to fish.
São Paulo Zoo
One of the largest and oldest zoos in Brazil, located amidst a preserved area of the Atlantic Forest.
Horto Florestal Forest Park
A large urban park in northern São Paulo, offering families recreational areas in nature.
City of Children (Cidade da Criança)
The first theme park in Brazil, designed specifically for families and younger children.
São Bernardo do Campo Industrial Zone
Historically the heart of the Brazilian automotive industry, known for its vast concentration of manufacturing plants and labor movements.
Cubatão Industrial Park
A major center for chemical, petrochemical, and steel industries, strategically located near the Port of Santos.
Coffee Museum Santos
A museum in the historic building of the former Coffee Exchange, dedicated to the history of the coffee trade.