The museum building was originally designed by Oscar Niemeyer in the 1950s as part of the Ibirapuera Park complex project.
The collection includes works by iconic artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Amedeo Modigliani, and Pablo Picasso.
It holds the largest collection of works by the Italian painter Giorgio de Chirico in Latin America.
The building features iconic pilotis and a helical ramp characteristic of Niemeyer's architectural style.
The museum was transferred to its current location in 2012, significantly expanding its exhibition capacity compared to its previous site.
The Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo (MAC-USP) is housed in a distinctive rationalist building designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It contains a collection of over 10,000 works, primarily focused on Western art from the 20th century. The museum's holdings include significant pieces from the historical avant-garde, such as Cubism, Expressionism, and Constructivism. It serves as a research institution connected to the University of São Paulo, emphasizing academic engagement with contemporary visual culture. The facility features a rooftop terrace offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Ibirapuera Park and the São Paulo skyline. The permanent collection is periodically rotated to showcase different aspects of the institution's archive. Its location in the former headquarters of the State Secretariat of Agriculture reflects the building's historical transition from administrative to cultural use.
The rooftop terrace at sunset, capturing the contrast between the brutalist architecture and the urban skyline.
Prioritize the rooftop terrace on a clear day for the best architectural and city views.
Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions before arrival.
Use the elevators to reach the upper levels, as the main architectural ramps can be physically demanding.
Do not overlook the lower floors, as visitors often rush to the rooftop and miss significant sections of the permanent collection.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume and avoid using flash photography in galleries containing sensitive works on paper.
