museum · São Paulo, SP
Pinacoteca do Estado
Founded in 1905, it is the city's oldest art museum and occupies an exposed-brick building renovated by Paulo Mendes da Rocha in the 1990s. The collection highlights Brazilian art from the 19th century to the present and sits next to the Jardim da Luz (garden).
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pinacoteca do Estado
The Pinacoteca de São Paulo is the city's oldest art museum. It was founded in 1905 by the state government and occupies an exposed-brick building at Praça da Luz, right next to the Jardim da Luz, downtown.
The building was designed by Ramos de Azevedo's firm for the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios (School of Arts and Crafts) and was never plastered, which is why the bricks show on the facade and in the inner courtyards. Between 1994 and 1998, architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha renovated the building: he covered the courtyards with steel and glass skylights and linked the galleries with metal walkways. The project won the Mies van der Rohe Award for Latin America.
The collection brings together Brazilian art from the 19th century onward, with names such as Almeida Júnior, Tarsila do Amaral, Candido Portinari and Lygia Clark, plus temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The side windows and balconies look out over the trees of the Jardim da Luz, which is worth a stroll before or after your visit.
The Pinacoteca has two other buildings nearby, Pina Estação and Pina Contemporânea. The same ticket is valid for all three on the day of your visit.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Two hours is enough to see the main collection and the courtyards at a relaxed pace; to include the other buildings, set aside half a day.
Best time
On weekday mornings, when there are usually fewer people; on free-admission days the museum tends to be busier. On a sunny day, combine it with a stroll through the Jardim da Luz.
How to get there
It is at Praça da Luz, in downtown São Paulo. Estação da Luz (subway and CPTM) is about a two-minute walk away. Pina Contemporânea is a few minutes from there, and Pina Estação is reached by following the signs from the station.
Tip
The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Use the same ticket to also visit Pina Estação and Pina Contemporânea on the same day.
Official website
A look at the place
Pinacoteca do Estado in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pinacoteca do Estado
Is there an entrance fee at the Pinacoteca?
Yes, admission is paid, but there are free days at all three buildings. Check which ones on the official website.
What day is the Pinacoteca closed?
Tuesdays. For other days, check the hours on the official website.
How do I get there by subway?
Get off at Estação da Luz (subway and CPTM); the building is about a two-minute walk away.
Is the ticket valid for all three buildings?
Yes. With a single ticket you can visit Pina Luz, Pina Estação and Pina Contemporânea on the same day.
Who designed the Pinacoteca?
The original building is by Ramos de Azevedo's firm; the renovation that gave the museum its current form is by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, completed in 1998.