Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo (Art Gallery of the State of São Paulo), Sao Paulo (must see)

The Art Gallery of the State of São Paulo (Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo) stands as the city's oldest art gallery, drawing a substantial number of tourists. The construction of the gallery's building spanned three years from 1897 to 1900. Originally designated for the School of Arts and Crafts, it underwent a conversion in 1911 to become a state museum.

Throughout its history, the Pinacoteca do Estado has served various purposes, including housing the High School of the State, accommodating governmental offices, and even acting as military barracks during World War II. In its early years, the exhibition space was limited to a mere four rooms in 1951. Presently, the gallery boasts an expansive presence with over 10 rooms, occupying both the ground and first floors of the building.

Additionally, the ground floor is home to the Resistance Memorial. While the gallery's collections predominantly focus on academic art, they also feature several works by modernist artists. Exploring the vast display of over 7,000 pieces, visitors may encounter historic paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, capturing Brazil's essence through the skilled brushstrokes of artists such as Almeida Junior, Anita, and Alfredo Volpi Malfatti. Sculptures by Vitor Brecheret and numerous other captivating artworks further enrich the gallery's collection.

Why You Should Visit:
For a comprehensive and engaging overview of the country's best artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, and for getting a vision of São Paulo and other parts of Brazil in those times.
Not only can you see the way cities were before urban sprawl, but also the way of life then – certainly simpler and seemingly a lot more idyllic!

Tip:
There's a nice cafe with decent food selection, as well as a nice park adjacent, so you can spend 3-5 hrs to give yourself the time to explore it all, and have a lunch/snack/coffee and/or walk break.