Sao Paulo Museum of Art, Sao Paulo (must see)

Established in 1947, the Museum of Art features fine art from Brazilian, English, French, African, Italian, Asian, and Latin American disciplines. The exhibition hall contains a collection of 8,000 items that features greats such as Renoir, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Boticelli, and Monet. It is one of the most extensive and largest collections of Western art in Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere. The current museum was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1968 visit to Brazil.

Located on the famous Paulista Avenue, the museum is locally known as the Museu de Arte. Designer Lina Bo Bardi is responsible for the two grand red lateral beams that grace the building. The beams support the building and enable the view of other buildings to remain unobstructed.

The building is much more than just a museum. A library, film gallery, photo gallery, two auditoriums, store, restaurant, and workshop rooms are available for public use. Concerts and other events are frequently held in the marketplace. Visitors should make sure to attend the antique market that happens every Sunday in the bazaar. Art courses are held for all who wish to attend.

Why You Should Visit:
The most famous museum in São Paulo, and for good reason: two floors of beautiful masterpieces from around the world! Downstairs is an excellent museum shop and very good cafe; however, Paulista Avenue is full of good eating options as well.

Tip:
Visit it on Tuesdays, when the admission is free, and focus on the main exhibition on the top floor, where most true gems are. If you want to know what you see, you have to walk around the back of the painting!