The house is suspended on thin steel columns, a signature choice by Bo Bardi to preserve the natural slope of the terrain.
Lina Bo Bardi designed the residence's furniture, including the iconic Bowl Chair.
The property contains a library of over 7,000 volumes, including many rare books on art and design.
The house was constructed after the couple, Lina Bo Bardi and Pietro Maria Bardi, moved to Brazil from post-war Italy in 1946.
The garden was planted by the architect to act as a 'living forest' screen, ensuring privacy from the street.
The house was the first residence built in what was then an undeveloped, wooded neighborhood of Morumbi.
The glass walls allow the light to shift constantly, reflecting the changing state of the surrounding tropical garden.
Casa de Vidro, or Glass House, was designed by Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi in 1951 as her private residence. The structure is perched on a sloping site in the Morumbi district, held aloft by slender concrete pilotis to minimize disturbance to the surrounding rainforest. The primary living space features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that integrate the interior with the dense, preserved Atlantic Forest vegetation outside. The property serves as the headquarters for the Instituto Bardi, which preserves the architect's archive, sketches, and personal art collection. The house showcases a mid-century modern aesthetic characterized by industrial materials and open-plan layouts. It remains one of the most significant examples of residential modernist architecture in São Paulo. The grounds include an extensive garden that Bo Bardi herself cultivated to replicate the native jungle ecosystem. Visitors access the home through a walkway that leads directly into the elevated glass-encased main floor.
The view from the garden looking back up at the glass facade to capture the reflection of the trees in the windows.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the garden paths are steep and can be uneven.
Check the official Instagram account for information on guided tours, which are highly recommended to understand the architectural nuances.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the surrounding rainforest environment is home to various insects.
Do not attempt to visit without checking the current exhibition or public access schedule, as the institute frequently hosts closed academic events.
Typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; always check for temporary closures due to exhibition changes or private research events.
Refrain from touching the furniture, as many pieces are historic museum-grade artifacts; photography rules may be restricted in specific interior zones.
