The Pinacoteca do Estado is heralded by locals as being the leading collection of Brazilian art and is the oldest gallery in São Paulo. This historic gallery is one of the city’s most popular cultural attractions and is situated in the charming green space of Jardim da Luz. The museum features an impressive collection of paintings and drawings by Brazilian and international artists and a scenic sculpture garden. Discover interesting books, souvenirs and gifts at the bookstore and enjoy a refreshing drink at the museum café.
Begin your visit to Pinacoteca do Estado walking around Jardim da Luz. The park is one of the oldest green spaces in São Paulo and is dotted with sculptures. Take a seat on the museum café’s scenic terrace and re-engergise with a coffee and a snack. Check out the architecture of the old building that has housed the museum since the early 20th century. The museum was renovated and its collection modernised in the 1990s, but the building remains a cherished monument in Brazil.
Explore the museum’s interior to find its collection of almost 9,000 artworks. The museum features predominantly artwork by 19th and 20th-century Brazilian artists, including work by Oscar Pereira da Silva, Almeida Junior and Antônio Parreiras.
See more sculptural work upstairs, where the Tactile Gallery of Brazilian Sculpture is located. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are also located upstairs. Pinacoteca do Estado’s redevelopment in the 1990s made it a key destination for travelling exhibitions touring around Brazil. Check out the museum store to pick up postcards from the different collections.
Pinacoteca do Estado is located in next to the Luz subway station in the centre of São Paulo. Metered car parking is available on the streets adjacent to the museum. Pinacoteca do Estado is closed on Mondays. Admission costs include entry to the museum and the sculpture garden. Enjoy free admission on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.
