Why São Paulo is a Must-See Cultural Destination for Art Lovers
If you regularly read my columns here at London Art Walk, you’ll already know this: São Paulo is a must-visit cultural destination for art lovers — and for many reasons, which I’ll break down here. Anyone from any other Brazilian city — or from abroad — who’s interested in arts and culture will find a vibrant scene in São Paulo. Here are three top reasons to visit the city if you need art and culture to breathe.
1. Diverse Art Museums
You’ll find a wide range of venues showcasing both Brazilian and international art — from iconic institutions to lesser-known gems.
At MASP, you’ll see works by modern and contemporary Brazilian artists, international contemporaries, and Old Masters such as Van Gogh, Renoir, Raphael, and Velázquez. What makes the visit even more special is that the museum occupies two architectural landmarks: one designed in the 1960s by pioneering female architect Lina Bo Bardi, and the newly opened building by architecture firm Metro. Don’t forget to grab a bite or enjoy a full meal at Baianeira, the restaurant inside the museum.
Two other iconic institutions are Pinacoteca and MAC-USP. At the Pina, as we affectionately call it, you’ll mostly see Brazilian art in the long-term collection, with works dating back to the 1800s. The museum spans three nearby buildings in the city centre.
MAC-USP stands for the Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo. Housed in an 8-storey building opposite Ibirapuera Park, it offers stunning rooftop views. The museum’s collection features Brazilian and international art, mostly from the 1930s onwards.
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, visit the FAAP Museum. FAAP is a private university, and its mid-sized museum houses a collection largely made up of Brazilian art from the 20th and 21st centuries. It also hosts blockbuster exhibitions — like the current show featuring 600 works by Andy Warhol, brought directly from the United States.
2. Street Art
All around the city, you’ll encounter street art — whether it’s the unique form we call “pixo”, or more colourful, elaborate graffiti. Pixo is typically done with black spray paint, using hard-to-decipher characters. Graffiti, on the other hand, is vibrant, artistic, and often signed — reflecting the artist’s worldview in a poetic way.
The most popular spot for street art is Beco do Batman (Batman Alley), located in the Vila Madalena neighbourhood. Next month, I’ll dedicate an entire column to street art — stay tuned!
3. Cultural Festivals & Events
São Paulo hosts many large-scale art and cultural events throughout the year. Here, I’ve chosen to highlight just three:
São Paulo Biennial, Virada Cultural, and Jornada do Patrimônio Histórico.
The São Paulo Biennial is the second oldest in the world — just behind Venice — and is now among the top five globally. Each edition features thousands of works by Brazilian and international artists, curated around an urgent theme. You can find my review of the latest edition [here]. The next edition opens on 6 September 2025.
Virada Cultural is a city-wide cultural and music event that began in 2005, inspired by Paris’ Nuit Blanche. Usually held in May, it symbolises São Paulo’s commitment to democratic access to culture, with all events free of charge. It’s a 24-hour marathon of music, theatre, cinema, visual arts and circus — mainly in the city centre, but also in venues across town, from theatres to outdoor stages.
Jornada do Patrimônio Histórico is another city-wide event, focused on São Paulo’s cultural and historical heritage. Usually held over a weekend in August, its programme includes workshops, tours and talks in museums, parks, and listed historic properties. It’s a brilliant way to get to know the city and its rich cultural background.
That’s it — a small sample of what São Paulo has to offer when it comes to art and culture. Come and experience it for yourself.
Luis Sandes for London Art Walk
May 2025