The Best Art Galleries and Institutions in São Paulo

We have discussed it here before—São Paulo is one of the global powerhouses for art and its places. Just like big cities like New York, London or Berlin, any art lover in the world should visit it. From the iconic modernist architecture of Masp to the white cube gallery of Luisa Strina, the city’s art scene is as diverse as its vibrant cultural DNA. Also, they will find great food and drinks to have between visiting one art place and another. We will focus on art galleries and institutions, presenting two of each.

Naturally, Masp is the first art place we discuss here since it opened its new building last March, just across the street from the old one. Whilst the main building is red and 70-metre large, the new one is black and 70-metre tall. The idea of the architects of the new premises was not to compete with Lina Bo Bardi’s 1960s project. What they have done here is a MoMA-like building. Its outside is not appealing—in fact, some compare it to an Epson printer. Seriously though, its inside was perfectly designed to host art shows, teaching rooms, and an art repairing studio.

Instituto Tomie Ohtake is the Ohtake family-run institute in honour of the late Tomie Ohtake. She was an influential, accomplished abstract painter who started as an artist aged 39, after having raised her kids. She died in 2015. The institute is a contemporary art hub, was founded in 2001 and hosts shows of Brazilian and international artists. It has exhibited Yayoy Kusama, Anish Kapoor, Carlito Carvalhosa, and Miguel Bakun. Known for its impeccable curatorship and innovative exhibition design, the space also fosters dialogue through talks, workshops, and educational programs.

Luisa Strina has run her sake name gallery since 1974. It has been a leading and influential art gallery ever since. With its elegant and minimalist premises in the fancy Jardins neighbourhood, it is one of the white cube galleries in town, i.e., its all-white walls, neutral flooring, and quiet rooms. It represents artists in the likes of Luísa Matsushita, Marcius Galan, Cinthia Marcelle, Cildo Meirelles, Thiago Honório, Anna Maria Maiolino, and Antoni Muntadas. Galan’s current exhibition deals with drawing, nature, geometry, and time.

Nara Roesler Gallery is located in the upscale Jardim Europa neighbourhood. It also has branches in Rio de Janeiro and New York City, thus being a bridge between Latin American and global art markets. It is family-run and was founded in 1989 by Nara Roesler herself and is one of the most prestigious galleries in Brazil. It represents established and emerging artists, Brazilian and international, such as Abraham Palatnik, Antonio Dias, Artur Lescher, Brígida Baltar, Amelia Toledo, Dan Graham, Isaac Julien, and Tomie Ohtake. Its premises in São Paulo can also be described as being a white cube.

With its world-class institutions and pioneering galleries, São Paulo proves why it’s a cultural powerhouse—here, tradition meets avant-garde, and every visit leaves you transformed. From Masp’s iconic architecture to Nara Roesler’s global vision, São Paulo’s art scene is where art comes alive—and your next unforgettable cultural adventure awaits. As a plus, don’t forget you will be able to have great food and drinks.

Luis Sandes for London Art Walk
April 2025