The museums of São Paulo are renowned for being comprehensive attractions, offering both knowledge and entertainment. Visiting them guarantees a cultural experience that provides historical insights on both regional and national levels. This is because the city is home to a variety of museums, each with its own unique characteristics and themes.
Including a museum in your itinerary offers benefits that only this type of activity can provide. However, choosing the best option among the many available museums is no easy task. With that in mind, we at Do in Brazil have curated a list of 10 must-visit museums for you to explore.
Additionally, we’ve included a section with valuable tips to help you make the most of your visits. Keep reading to discover our full list and enhance your cultural repertoire!
Note: The currency exchange rates used in this article are based on the rates from 12/08/24, with 1 USD = 6,09 BRL and 1 EUR = 6,36 BRL. Please be aware that these rates are for reference only, and updated values should be checked closer to your travel dates.
1. Museu da Língua Portuguesa (Museum of the Portuguese Language)
The Museu da Língua Portuguesa is a must-visit on this list. It’s a cultural experience rich in literary heritage, perfect for those seeking to understand the diversity of the Portuguese language. Recently reconstructed in 2021, the building has a fresh new look. If you’ve visited in past years, it’s time to see how it’s transformed today!
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (stay permitted until 6:00 PM).
Tickets can be purchased on the official website of the Museu da Língua Portuguesa.
Ticket Prices:
- Full Price: R$24.00 (US$3,94/€3,77)
- Half Price: R$12.00 (US$1,97/€1,89)
- Free on Saturdays
- Free for children under 7 years old
In addition to the permanent exhibits, check the website for information on temporary exhibitions available during your visit.
How to Get There:
The museum is located at Praça da Luz – Luz, São Paulo – SP, 01120-010.
2. Museu de Arte Contemporânea da USP – MAC USP (Museum of Contemporary Art of USP)
Next on the list is the famous Museu de Arte Contemporânea da USP (MAC USP). Founded in 1963, this museum attracts thousands of visitors annually thanks to its extensive collection of regional and national art. Established by the University of São Paulo (USP), its original purpose was to preserve, study, and display its impressive collection. It’s a fantastic destination for art and history enthusiasts.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- No prior booking is required, and entry remains free.
How to Get There:
The Museu de Arte Contemporânea da USP is located at Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, 1301 – Vila Mariana, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050.
3. Museu de Arte Moderna – MAM (Museum of Modern Art)
Another artistic and cultural destination is the incredible Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM), home to a stunning collection of modern art. As one of the country’s main cultural institutions, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination. Founded in the 1940s, the Museum of Modern Art offers much more than exhibitions. Visitors can participate in various cultural activities, including:
- Musical performances
- Courses
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Video sessions
- Performances
- Artistic practices
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM).
- Admission is free as the museum operates as a non-profit organization.
How to Get There:
Visit the Museu de Arte Moderna at Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/nº – Parque Ibirapuera – 04094-000 – São Paulo/SP.
4. Museu Afro Brasil (Afro-Brazil Museum)
The Museu Afro Brasil is another fantastic cultural attraction to explore. As a public institution, its preservation and maintenance are a shared responsibility among its visitors. The museum boasts a vast collection of over 6,000 works dating back to the 18th century, including:
- Paintings
- Prints
- Sculptures
- Photographs
- Documents
- Ethnological artifacts
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (stay permitted until 6:00 PM).
Ticket prices:
- Full Price: R$15.00 (US$2.46/€2.36)
- Half Price: R$7.50 (US$1.23/€1.18)
- Tickets can be purchased on the official website of the Museu Afro Brasil.
How to Get There:
Address: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n – Parque Ibirapuera, near Gate 10 – 04094-050 São Paulo/SP.
5. Museu Lasar Segall (Lasar Segall Museum)
The Museu Lasar Segall was founded in the 1960s by Jenny Klabin Segall. Today, it is part of the Instituto Brasileiro de Museus (Ibram) under the Ministry of Culture. This is another cultural destination that offers additional activities, such as educational visit programs.
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
Don’t forget to check out the movies being shown at the Museu Lasar Segall Cinema!
How to Get There:
Visit the Museu Lasar Segall at Rua Berta 111, São Paulo – SP, CEP 04120-040.
6. Museu Catavento Cultural (Catavento Cultural Museum)
The Catavento Cultural Museum is an excellent destination for both solo visits and family outings. The museum is divided into four sections, so be prepared to spend a good amount of time exploring. Make sure to eat well and bring a water bottle to fully enjoy everything the museum has to offer.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Ticket sales close at 4:00 PM, and tickets are only available on-site, so plan accordingly.
Ticket Prices:
- Full Price: R$18.00 (US$ 2,96/€ 2,83)
- Half Price: R$9.00 (US$ 1,48/€ 1,41)
- Free entry on Tuesdays!
Check the official website for details on additional free entry options.
How to Get There:
Address: Av. Mercúrio, s/n – Parque Dom Pedro II, Centro, São Paulo – SP.
7. Museu da Casa Brasileira – MCB (Museum of the Brazilian Home)
The Museum of the Brazilian Home is another must-visit spot on our list. Founded over five decades ago, it is managed by the Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy of the State of São Paulo. The museum’s collection focuses on Brazilian housing, with an emphasis on architecture and design, which is the inspiration behind its name.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ticket Prices:
- Full Price: R$15.00 (US$2.46/€2.36)
- Half Price: R$7.50 (US$1.23/€1.18)
- Free entry on Tuesdays!
How to Get There:
Visit the Museu da Casa Brasileira at Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 2705 – Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo – SP.
8. Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand – MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art)
The MASP is another São Paulo museum offering a diverse collection for its visitors. Although it is a private museum, it operates as a non-profit institution, founded in the 1940s. Its name honors the patron and entrepreneur Assis Chateaubriand. A notable fact is that MASP is Brazil’s first modern museum.
Tickets must be purchased online through the MASP website.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: R$ 70.00 (US$ 11,49/€ 11,00)
- Students and teachers: R$ 35.00 (US$ 5,75/€ 5,50)
- Seniors (60+): R$ 35.00 (US$ 5,75/€ 5,50)
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Every Tuesday of the month, entry is free thanks to a partnership with Qualicorp.
How to Get There:
Address: Avenida Paulista, 1578 – CEP 01310-200, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
9. Museu do Futebol (Soccer Museum)
The Museu do Futebol is the perfect destination for those who love sports and culture. This museum is filled with items showcasing the history of Brazilian soccer in its many facets. Visit the Museu do Futebol website to secure your tickets!
Ticket Prices:
- Full Price: R$ 24.00 (US$3,94/€3,77)
- Half Price: R$ 12.00 (US$1,97/€1,89)
- Free for children under 7 and people with disabilities.
- Free entry on Tuesdays.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (stay permitted until 6:00 PM).
How to Get There:
Address: Praça Charles Miller, s/n – Estádio Paulo Machado de Carvalho (Pacaembu), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
10. Pinacoteca de São Paulo (São Paulo Art Gallery)
To close our list, we couldn’t leave out the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, a museum that also offers activities beyond its exhibitions, such as cultural and educational programs. You can also support the museum’s financing through the Pinacoteca website.
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (stay permitted until 6:00 PM).
Ticket Prices:
- Full Price: R$ 30.00 (US$4,93/€4,72)
- Half Price: R$ 15.00 (US$2.46/€2.36)
- Free entry on Saturdays.
How to Get There:
Visit the Pinacoteca de São Paulo at Praça da Luz, 2 – Luz, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01120-010.
Bonus: São Paulo Aquarium
The São Paulo Aquarium (Aquário de São Paulo) is a must-visit destination for families looking to combine fun and education. As the largest aquarium in Latin America, it features over 300 species and approximately 1 million liters of water in its exhibits. Divided into thematic areas, the aquarium provides an immersive experience, including sections dedicated to marine life, the Amazon rainforest, and even international species like kangaroos and polar bears.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm (ticket office closes at 5 pm).
Tickets:
- Adults: R$ 140.00 (US$ 23 / € 22)
- Children aged 3 to 12: R$ 90.00 (US$ 15 / € 14)
- Seniors over 60: R$ 70.00 (US$ 11 / € 11)
How to Get to São Paulo Aquarium
Address: Rua Huet Bacelar, 407 – Ipiranga, São Paulo – SP, 04275-000.
Valuable tips to make the most of your visits
Now that you know the main cultural museum destinations in Greater São Paulo, it’s time to learn how to enjoy these outings to the fullest. We’ve gathered some valuable tips for you to put into practice!
- Choose public transportation: This is a great way to enhance your experience, spend less, avoid parking worries, and contribute to local sustainability.
- Stay well-fed and hydrated: Be sure to check for nearby restaurants or snack bars to make use of. If there aren’t any available, bring your own snacks and drinks.
- If you’re not from the area, consider staying in a strategically located hotel or hostel near the destinations you want to visit.
São Paulo is home to numerous tourist attractions, and its museums are one of the main highlights in cultural itineraries. Use our list to choose the best option for you!
