Founded in 1947 by Brazilian businessman Assis Chateaubriand, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) was the first modern museum in all of Brazil. Originally located on Rua 7 de Abril, the museum’s current glass structure on Avenida Paulista was designed by Lina Bo Bardi in 1968. The award-winning building’s airy appearance is mirrored throughout the exhibition halls as works on crystal easels feel as though they are floating.
Its holdings consist of nearly 11,000 artworks and objects collected from all across the world, including the most important collection of European art in the southern hemisphere.
There is also temporary exhibitions, which present various topics or supports. As national and international exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, design and architecture to take turns during the year, bringing to the public a universe of images. The visitor will always find something new when visiting the site.
People with special needs can also visit the MASP, because the building has accessible entrance, four adapted restrooms and elevators. Art works are exhibited in proper height and there are signs for the visually impaired.
Another point that attracts visitors is the architecture, with design Lina Bo Bardi, a modernist building that delights in having differently from conventional buildings. In construction, it is unique in the world with the main body resting on four side pillars, forming a span of 74 meters long. The span of MASP, as is known, was the scene of various events and on Sundays receives an antiques fair.
The inauguration took place in 1968 and 1982, the MASP was listed by Condephaat – Council of Historical Heritage Protection, Archaeological, Artistic and Tourist of the State and in 2003 by IPHAN – Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage.