The São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum, known by the acronym MASP, is among the most visited in the world. In addition to housing the most important collection of Western art in Latin America, it serves as a cultural center. Check out a guide with essential information for visiting this attraction, which is in the heart of São Paulo.
Where is MASP
MASP is located at Avenida Paulista, no. 1578, in the Bela Vista neighborhood. In this central region of São Paulo, it is possible to visit other tourist attractions, such as Ibirapuera Park, Football Museum, Pinacoteca, Sesc Avenida Paulista, Municipal Market and Beco do Batman. All of these attractions are less than 5 km from the museum.
How to get
Taking a walking tour along Avenida Paulista is the best way to get to MASP. However, you can go by car and use the agreed parking, Car Park, at Alameda Casa Branca, no. 41. If you go by metro, you must take the Green Line to Trianon-MASP Station. By bus, it is recommended to check the lines that are operating the route to the São Paulo Museum of Art through the official SP Trans website.
How to visit MASP
Art makes São Paulo more beautiful! Below, check out important information to visit MASP without any setbacks. Enjoy your cultural tour.
- Ticket: adults pay R$ 60. Students, teachers and those over 60 pay half, R$ 30. Buy your ticket at official site.
- Free entrance: Entry is free on the first Thursday of the month. In addition, children under 10 years old are free, as are people with disabilities and companions. Pay attention, as promotions with free entry are common in some months of the year.
- Half-price purchase: Visitors entitled to half price must present proof at the time of purchase and at the entrance to the museum.
- Online scheduling: You must schedule a visit via official site when purchasing tickets, even on days when admission is free. Groups with more than 10 people must register and schedule an appointment.
- Opening hours: Tuesday, from 10am to 8pm, with entry until 7pm. Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm, with entry until 5pm.
- Guided tour: MASP does not offer guided tours. In the case of larger groups, the company or institution must bring someone to lead the group.
- Tour duration: Allow up to 2 hours to visit MASP, but you can stay as long as you want in the structure until the attraction closes.
- Best day to visit: there is less movement on weekdays and when entry is not free. So, visit between Tuesday and Thursday.
- Bags and backpacks: Bags and backpacks are allowed. There are also free luggage storage facilities.
Follow the exhibition schedule on MASP’s official website and social media. In the next topics, learn about the structure, history and attractions of the museum.
History of MASP
The São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum – MASP – was founded by businessman Assis Chateaubriand in 1947. A large part of the collection was donated by society. Currently, there are 11 thousand works spread across the galleries, from paintings to sculptures and other objects.
The first MASP installation was on Rua 7 de Abril. In 1968, it was transferred to its current headquarters. MASP’s architectural project is designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi. The building is a landmark in the history of architecture.
What’s in MASP?
On the 1st and 2nd floor of MASP, there are permanent exhibitions. In the 1st and 2nd basement, there are temporary exhibitions that change depending on the time of year. Below, check out what you will find at MASP:
1. MASP facade
MASP is a postcard of São Paulo. To start the tour, the first stop, of course, is the facade of the building. The architecture enchants! Take lots of photos, but be aware that, on weekdays, Av. Paulista is very busy. Then cars and people will appear in your records.
2. Horácio Lafer Gallery on the 1st floor
In this gallery, you will find works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, Candido Portinari, with the famous painting of “The Farmer”, René Magritte, with the painting “The Wonders of Nature”, among other artists. The exact location of the works is not disclosed for security reasons. So, you need to browse the galleries to find the pieces.
3. Georges Wildenstein Gallery on the 2nd floor
On the 2nd floor, there are works by Rafael, Bellini, Andrea Mantegna and Titian, from Italy. The French Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec also gain space in the gallery. Almeida Junior, Candido Portinari, Anita Malfatti, Victor Brecheret and Flávio de Carvalho are the Brazilians with pieces on display.
4. Restaurant at MASP
The restaurant to Baianeira, led by chef Manu Ferraz, offers popular Brazilian cuisine. The space is on the 2nd basement, open from Tuesday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 11:30 am to 4 pm. The menu includes salads and main dishes, such as potato gnocchi, plantain moqueca, free-range chicken, sun-dried meat and pork ribs.
5. Coffee at MASP
On the 1st floor, the café is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 5 pm. In the 1st basement, close to the famous MASP shop, it is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 8pm, and from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions at MASP, it is possible to check out temporary events and programs at Galeria Clemente de Faria. Check out the exhibitions in theaters.
7 photos of MASP for more tour tips
MASP is part of the Clube dos 19 – a select group of 19 museums around the world, which feature European art from the 19th century. Below, check out a little more of the works and architectural space.
1. An imposing attraction on Avenida Paulista
2. MASP has works by José Pancetti
3. Temporary exhibitions take place throughout the year
4. Among the works are “The Cahen d’Anvers Girls”, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
5. And “The Schoolboy”, by Vincent van Gogh
6. Enjoy the view from the top of MASP
7. At night, the facade stands out
MASP offers a perfect tour for those who love art. Take the opportunity to discover other museums in São Paulo. There are several options on Avenida Paulista and attractions with free entry.
