The Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo is one of the most prominent art museums in Sao Paulo, located next to Estação da Luz, which is connected to the Metro Yellow Line. Entry is totally free on Saturdays (and on Thursday nights, 6pm to 10 pm) The Pinacoteca's was designed by Ramos de Azevedo, building is a beautiful example of Brazilian architecture from the early 20th century. In 1998, it went through a masterful renovation process, designed by the Pritzer Prize laureate, architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha. The museum's interior gallery spaces are well thought out and provides an excellent backdrop for the art on display. The galleries are spacious. The natural light of the atriums, connected by steel bridges is the perfect symbiosis between the classic building and contemporary architecture. The museum's café in the underground floor connects with Praça da Luz, providing an exuberant view of the park and a relaxing atmosphere, a pleasant and calm space that could make you forget you're in the fourth most populated city on earth (and one of the most dangerous areas of Sao Paulo). The museum's collection is vast, covering a range of styles and periods, with an emphasis on Brazilian art from the 19th century to the present day. The Pinacoteca is especially known for its collection of modernist art, featuring works by well-known Brazilian artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Anita Malfatti, and Lasar Segall. Additionally, the museum has an extensive collection of photographs, engravings, and drawings, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of Brazilian art history. Overall, the Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo is a world-class, must-visit for anyone interested in Brazilian art and culture. The museum's impressive collection, beautiful architecture, and commitment to education make it one of the most important cultural institutions one could ask for.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

This is truly one of the best museums in the world. Pinacoteca is one of those places that you would need days to truly understand and decompress. With a great collection of Brazilian Modernist Era, the museum’s architecture details its a must all by itself. Besides it’s great collection the museum also have temporary exhibitions with great artists, so it be good to check it before attending. The tickets to temporary exhibitions and weekends tends to sold out very quickly, and there is one day of the week where you can get in for free. If you’re going by public transportation be careful to the surroundings, the neighborhood it’s not dangerous but don’t be distracted with your belongings. Also take some time to walk in the garden with lots of sculptures by different artists is a very enjoyable experience by itself. If you wanna take some pictures I suggest the afternoon lighting that enters that glass ceiling, it’s just idyllic.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

One of the top museums in town, and probably my favourite. Focusing on Brazilian and Latin American Art, but not just, offers an interesting and contemporary museology, displaying artworks from different centuries side by side, by theme, by narrative, offering an interesting take on the walks of visual expression (and topics for conversation). These conversations can be held at the outdoors tables from the café on the ground floor (close to the exit), with great views on Parque da Luz. The building itself is gorgeous, made even more so by Pritzker Prize Paulo Mendes da Rocha's remodeling. Hail to Emanoel Araújo.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

The complex of Pinacoteca is huge in size and in quality. This is one of the most important art center in Latin America, with a bunch of many of the most important artists worldwide. Recently, another space into the complex was open in order to promote contemporaneous art. The space counts with two great stores, coffees, a marvelous garden and its aside two other important museums: Portuguese Language Museum (trust me: it's definitely not a nice to know place) and Sacral Art Museum (not a huge priority). On Saturdays, the entrance is free. Get ready to take a lot of pictures because the whole ambient is overwhelming.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

This museum is one of the oldest in São Paulo. The art collection is huge, each room is overflowing with different pieces. In a way it is actually quite overwhelming and intense, it’s difficult to digest the sheer amount. There is no flowing journey or consistency. There is deep contrast not just room to room, but often throughout a room. You would need to spend an entire day here to truly begin to appreciate and digest what’s on display. It’s quite remarkable at the same time. I recommend a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I loved this museum. I have been to many museusm around the world, but I found the experience here to be extremely unique. Each room you enter had a placard that not only explained the exhibit, but asked thought provoking questions, that made you really view the exhibit with an open mind. This was definitely a very unique experience. And the building itself was also a work of art to be enjoyed. Make sure you give yourself at least 3 hours here to really walk through all the museum has to offer.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Even since before I planned my trip to Brazil I knew I wanted to visit the Pinacoteca at one point in my life. The building is reminiscent of a classical temple, and has a massive collection of works in all plastic arts. I loved the educational focus of the exhibits, the fact that they are arranged by topic and not by region or century, and all the accessibility infrastructure all around. Truly one of the best museums I have been to in Brazil.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

AMAZED. Free pass on Saturday to the best art gallery I’ve seen in a while. Clean spaces, amplitude to walk and explore. Clear signs explaining the whole thing. And a variety between styles, artistic methods, ages and people. All together in a beautiful architectural spectacle that mixed modern and rustic with sunlight, statues and halls.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I visited for only couple of hours during 4hrs of transit time. (After check in and send out luggage) It was so much worth it and i will definitely recommend others to do so as well. Also don't miss to visit souvenir shop inside. Many affordable and cute things are displayed. Having coffee time in cafeteria is relaxing, especially when seating outside where you can see park area. ☕

One of my favorite places in São Paulo! I wish every Brazilian (and foreigner) could visit this place. Our culture is so rich and diverse. Please, please, please visit Pinacoteca! However, you have to be careful around there; there are a lot of homeless people. It's sad, but it's true. But if you stay alert and don't walk with your cellphone in your hands, everything will be alright!

This is truly a special São Paulo/Brazil museum. It’s affordable, it’s been renovated in a beautiful way, and the exhibits are varied and well-curated. I especially enjoyed an exhibit of Brazilian art through time, although I am not 100% convinced of the layout and how it moves visitors sequentially. At any rate, a must visit for art lovers in SP.

Must see if your around the city, easy pick up and drop off by Uber Well maintained clean and organized, air conditioned Divided into multiple galleries on the left and right Water fountains in each corner rarely seen worldwide No restrictions taking photos
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It’s a great place with plenty of beautiful pieces of Brazilian artwork up for display. The exhibits were stunning and allowed for a close, emotional view of the art. Access to the property was free and protected by local government agents, metal detector screening is necessary to access the building.

Beautiful building, great architecture, great exhibitions! It is really a must see in SP! It closes every Tuesday, so be aware, and the adjacent park closes every Monday, so if you want to visit both make sure it is from Wednesday on. R$10 entry free most days, half for students / elderly people.

Very nice museum next to the Lux Park and a traditional Railway Station. It's a small size museum that can be covered in half a day -- which is about the right time for general visitors. (Not too taxing on your feet. Right amount of art appreciation -- not getting bored yet.)

The pinacoteca was beautiful. We visited all the major musuems during our stay, and this one was hands down our favorite. The exhibits varied and offered something for everyone. Lots of natural light and beautiful brick walls allowed you to sit and take breaks in peace …

I really enjoy the Pinacoteca. a beautiful building and a permanent collection worth spending a few hours. other exhibitions can be very good. One of the nicest features is the tactile sculpture area which has been made for the blind to be able to discover the sculptures

The Pinoteca is a very complete museum you can see many types of art, If you like the modern and abstract art you must visit this place, the building by itself is beautiful, only you need to be careful, because the neighbourhood is not safe More

There is an entry ticket for Brazilian Real 30. Most of the things on display do not have a description in a language other than Portuguese. For a person who doesn't know Portuguese it may not be a futile thing to visit this place.

Wonderful museum in Sao Paulo, where the paintings as well as the architecture of the building is a must see. Cosy and free. Great for families as well with the different interactive art expressions (video, statues and scenes)

I came without expectations and left amazed with the quality of the art curation and the effort made to make art interactive and thought-provoking. I also saw a band playing jazz and it was a delightful surprise!

Interesting art museum with a good collection of traditional and modern paintings plus some sculpture. The building itself is an interesting restoration. Free admission on some days. Worth a visit. More

A fabulous old fashioned building in the architectural format of grand European buildings but sadly in the most appalling and worse crime ridden area. Make sure you take care when in that vicinity.

It's a must if you are visiting São Paulo. The entrance is free, you can get the tickets from the web page and avoid the line.
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great art gallery with lots of interesting exhibitions. Clean, safe and friendly environment!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Very interesting place, pretty cheap parking and you can enter Pinacoteca galleries for free. Garden is very nice as well, I’m hot days you will appreciate shade made by trees.

Shouts Brazilian culture from the beginning to the end: the setting of the Pinacoteca itself is one of the best representation of the Paulista cultural and social structure.

High variety of paints and sculpts exposed. Entrance was $30 reais per person.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Impressive, emotional … intriguing collections, worth to see!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Excellent museum, well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes