The city of São Paulo is considered a perfect destination for art and culture lovers, thanks to the diversity of museums and exhibitions in the region. Among the options, the Catavento Museum stands out, which brings together interactive activities from the world of science and invites you to a fun-filled tour. Check out this guide to enhance your travel itinerary with one of the 45 museums in São Paulo!
Where is the Catavento Museum
It is in the Palácio das Indústrias, the former headquarters of the São Paulo city hall, that one of the most fun museums in Brazil is located. The Catavento Museum offers great children’s programming in São Paulo. The address is Avenida Mercúrio, Parque Dom Pedro II, s/n. It is close to the São Paulo Municipal Market.
How to get
The best way to get to Museu Catavento is by car – if you are driving, just put the address in your GPS. If you go by bus, get off at the Parque Dom Pedro II terminal. Some of the lines that pass near the museum are: 1177-31, 1206-10, 4111-10 and 4115-10. If you go by metro, via the Red Line, disembark at Dom Pedro II Station, close to the Museu Catavento, or via the Blue Line, exiting at São Bento.
You can use the large parking lot at Museu Catavento, if you have a car. The price is R$20 for up to 4 hours, plus R$8 for each additional hour. Buses and vans pay R$40 with an additional R$15 every hour.
How to visit the Catavento Museum
You need to know some information before taking a tour of the Catavento Museum. Check out essential tips below for a hassle-free visit.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm.
- Ticket price: The full price costs R$15 and the half price costs R$7.50. Tickets can be purchased online at official site or at the ticket office, which closes at 4pm. You must schedule an appointment when purchasing online. On the day of the visit, arrive 30 minutes in advance.
- Days with free entry: On Tuesdays, admission to the Catavento Museum is free.
- Who pays half: Retirees, people aged 60 and over, students on independent visits, people with disabilities (half price extended to 1 companion) and Youth ID holders are entitled to half-price.
- Who doesn’t pay: Children up to 7 years of age are entitled to free education, education professionals with extension services for partners and children, museum professionals in the capital of São Paulo, public school groups, tourist guides with identification, public school groups, military, civil and police officers scientific research also from São Paulo.
- Group scheduling: It is necessary to schedule a visit for groups of more than 20 people, at least 45 days before the tour. To do this, fill out a form in the website and pay at the box office on the day of your visit.
- Food: It is prohibited to consume food inside the museum, only small children, elderly people or people with special needs are allowed to eat. Water bottles are allowed. There is a snack bar at Museu Catavento.
- Sections with password usage: there are 12 attractions that require a password, as they accommodate fewer visitors. They are available to the general public only on weekends. On other days, spaces are restricted to scheduled groups. The sections are: Nanotechnology, Chemistry Laboratory, Monte dos Sábios (Climbing Wall), From Monkey to Man, Connect with Lego, Journey to the Bottom of the Sea, Adventure in the Solar System, TV Studio, Historical Visit, Dinos do Brasil , Butterfly House and The World of Perfume.
Finally, it is important to know that the museum itself is a safe space, especially as it receives many children. Still, it is recommended to be careful about theft around the establishment. Safely, you will guarantee an unforgettable experience!
What is in the Catavento Museum?
The museum is divided into four large sections: Universe, Life, Ingenuity and Society. In total, there are 219 installations in 12 thousand square meters spread across the ground floor, upper floor and underground arcades. Check out what to do at Museu Catavento to immerse yourself in the world of science.
1. Universe Section
Here, visitors can learn more about the history of astronomy and the solar system. Go to a room that imitates a spaceship, discover the interior of the earth in a very interactive space, see a model of terrestrial landscapes and discover what the interior of a cave, the moon and Brazilian biomes are like. The only attraction in this section that requires a password is the Solar System Adventure.
2. Life Section
The intention is to show the origin of life on planet Earth, including that of human beings. The following rooms will surprise you: Birds of Brazil, Animals in the ocean with an aquarium with fish, DNA, the Human Body, from Monkey to Man, Darwin, Dinos of Brazil, World of Bees, Submarine, Shells and the Butterfly Garden, which is located in the garden. The rooms that require a password are Dinos do Brasil, from Monkey to Man, Butterfly Room and Journey to the bottom of the sea.
3. Engenho Section
Learn about physics and chemistry through interactive activities, such as the soap bubble, electromagnetism, the illusion rooms, mechanics, colors, seeing the sound, balloon and the lego laboratory – the latter requires a password to enter.
4. Society Section
How human beings relate to each other is the central theme of this area, which features the attractions The Art that Reveals History, Preserving the Earth, Laboratory and Mysteries of Chemistry, Nanotechnology, TV Studios, Packaging, waste and recycling and the World of Perfume. A password is required for Nanotechnology, Chemistry Laboratory, Perfume World and TV Studios activities.
5. Catavento Museum Garden
The garden and the facade structure itself are attractions in their own right. Outside are a German steam locomotive, built in 1926, and the DC-3 plane, manufactured in the United States, which was used to transport weapons during the Second World War. You can still see a tent with animal-drawn carts, a fountain and a window with a replica of Lucy, our ancestor.
To enjoy all these attractions at Museu Catavento calmly, a tip is to choose a day with less crowds. On weekends and Tuesdays, when entry is free, the place is busier. If you want a more relaxed trip, try scheduling your visit for other days.
7 photos of the Catavento Museum for sure fun
If you intend to take children, the recommended age is from 7 years old. In the photos below, you will see how this tourist spot is perfect to enjoy with the whole family! Check out some of the exhibitions:
1. The facade of the Catavento Museum is already an attraction in itself
2. The Universe Section is one of the most fun
3. It is possible to learn about Brazil’s biomes in an interactive room
4. The butterfly garden is in the garden and is ideal for taking photos
5. It is possible to visit a room that imitates a spaceship
6. And learn about the marine world
7. Visit the terrace to see a beautiful landscape from above
The Catavento Museum will surprise you, after all, it is in one of the most famous capitals in the world. Take advantage of being here and check out what to do in São Paulo. See tips and lots of information for a complete tour!
