The Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo, or MAC USP, is across from Ibirapuera Park in a building designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Its collection spans Brazilian and international modern and contemporary art, with works by Tarsila do Amaral, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and other artists. Take time to explore the exhibition floors, then head to the rooftop for views over São Paulo and the park. Admission is free, and there is a café for a break during your visit.
A university museum founded in 1963
The Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo, known as MAC USP, was established in 1963. The university received the collection of the former Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo, which had been built from works collected or donated during the museum’s earlier years, along with prizes from the São Paulo Biennials up to 1961.
The collection includes works by Brazilian artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Anita Malfatti, Emiliano Di Cavalcanti and Alfredo Volpi, alongside international artists including Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder and Wassily Kandinsky. It also holds a substantial collection of Italian art from the beginning of the 20th century. Across paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, objects and installations, the collection brings together different periods and approaches to art.
Modern and contemporary art in the collection
In its early years, MAC USP focused on preserving, studying and displaying its collection. It also developed as a center for collecting and studying conceptual art, new technologies and works that questioned the modern tradition. Artists including Lucio Fontana and Artur Barrio entered the collection during this period.
The museum’s holdings include Brazilian and international art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, as well as contemporary works and temporary exhibitions. Video, photography, painting and sculpture all form part of the wider collection. One work singled out for attention is VISAGE, a video installation by Jonas Van and Juno B. Exhibition displays can change, so check what is currently on view if you have a particular artist or work in mind.
The Niemeyer building and rooftop
MAC USP occupies a building designed by Oscar Niemeyer, part of an architectural complex created in the 1950s by Niemeyer and his team. The museum is across from Ibirapuera Park, and its rooftop looks out over the city and the park, including the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion, home to the São Paulo Biennial.
The building has eight floors, but the number open to the public with artworks can vary. Plan to explore the exhibitions that are accessible on the day and leave time for the rooftop view. The museum also has a café, where cheese bread is among the available treats. Since the museum is close to Ibirapuera Park, you can combine the two stops in one visit.
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Is admission to MAC USP free?
Yes, admission is free.
Is MAC USP open on Mondays?
No. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Where is the Museum of Contemporary Art at the University of São Paulo?
It is at Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, 1301, in Vila Mariana, across from Ibirapuera Park.
What can you see at MAC USP?
The collection includes Brazilian and international modern and contemporary art, with paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, objects and installations. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.
