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Museums #9 in São Paulo

Farol Santander

4.7 · 24,112 reviews
Refined and nostalgic
Farol Santander - R. João Brícola, 24 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01014-900, Brazil
Interesting facts
1

The building was the tallest in São Paulo from its construction in 1947 until 1965.

2

The 26th-floor observation deck features a glass floor section overlooking the historic city center.

3

The lobby houses a 1-ton bronze chandelier, one of the largest in Brazil, originally installed during the building's inauguration.

4

The structure contains 14 elevators, originally designed to move thousands of bank employees daily.

5

The site includes a 'Pista de Skate' (skate rink) designed by professional skater Bob Burnquist on the 21st floor.

6

It contains a subterranean vault that once held significant financial reserves for the State of São Paulo.

7

The building is officially recognized as a historic heritage site by the Council for the Defense of Historical, Archaeological, Artistic and Tourist Heritage (CONDEPHAAT).

Overview

Farol Santander is housed in the former Altino Arantes Building, a historic Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1947 that served as the headquarters for the State Bank of São Paulo. The building stands at 161 meters, offering a 360-degree observation deck on the 26th floor with expansive views of the city center. The interior functions as a cultural center featuring rotating art exhibitions, a restored bank president's office, and a permanent history of the building's construction. A notable feature is the 22nd-floor cafe, which maintains original 1940s architectural details. The building is modeled after the Empire State Building in New York City, incorporating a stepped skyscraper design. It is located in the heart of the Centro Histórico, serving as a landmark of São Paulo's mid-20th-century vertical expansion.

Photo spot

The glass-floor lookout on the 26th floor provides the most unique perspective of the city streets below.

Insider tips

Book tickets online in advance to skip the queue at the entrance.

Visit the observation deck first if the weather is clear to ensure the best visibility before crowds arrive.

Bring a jacket, as the upper-level observation deck can be quite windy.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk to the building from distant metro stations at night; always use authorized transport for safety.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a weekday to see the city transition from daylight to sunset and night lights.
Address
Farol Santander - R. João Brícola, 24 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01014-900, Brazil
-23.546, -46.634
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRestored 1940s bank president's office and historic architectural archive
Architectural styleArt Deco

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday to see the city transition from daylight to sunset and night lights..

The glass-floor lookout on the 26th floor provides the most unique perspective of the city streets below.

Close by you'll find Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, Museu Catavento, Sé Metropolitan Cathedral.