See 20th-century Latin American and European art at this eye-catching museum, which features a famous glass-enclosed spider sculpture at its entrance.
Works by famous European masters such as Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Alfredo Volpi stand alongside those of Latin American artists at the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM). The Museum of Modern Art is the most comprehensive museum of 20th-century art in São Paulo, with a permanent collection of more than 4,000 pieces. See some European favourites, introduce yourself to a whole new range of Latin American art and explore a large sculpture garden among the trees of Ibirapuera Park.
Before you enter the Museum of Modern Art, explore the pleasant lawns around it. The museum was built in 1948 and is now a favourite feature of Ibirapuera Park among locals and visitors. The curved, low-level modern structure is in contrast to the natural landscape around it.
Climb up the stairs into the museum. Browse the permanent collection to find works ranging from Picasso paintings to photographs by the famous Brazilian novelist João Almino.
Look for the giant spider sculpture held in a glass room. It was designed by Louise Bourgeois, a French-American sculptor nicknamed “Spiderwoman” for her famous series of spider sculptures.
Go outside to view the sculpture garden. See the 30 sculptures scattered across the shaded grounds, including wooden forms by sculptor Carlos Fajardo and Amilcar De Castro’s bold steel structures. The Museum of Modern Art’s sculpture garden is a popular attraction for locals enjoying the park.
The museum restaurant is known for its coffee and pastries. Stop by for a buffet lunch during your visit. Look out at Ibirapuera Park from the restaurant’s wide windows.
Reach the Museum of Modern Art via metro, bus or car. If you are driving, park in the private carpark for a fee. MAM is closed on Mondays. There is free admission on Sundays. An admission fee applies every other day.
