Casa da Imagem, also known as Casa Número Um, is a photography museum at Rua Roberto Simonsen 136b in central São Paulo. Its exhibitions trace the city’s history through photographs, while the 19th-century house adds another layer to the visit: look for the wooden floors, colonial windows and original wall paintings. The displays occupy two floors, and a garden at the rear has benches for a quiet pause. The museum’s photographic collection includes more than 84,000 restored images and 130,000 digitized photographs.
A house with a photographic collection
Casa da Imagem is devoted to the photographic memory of São Paulo. Its collection includes more than 84,000 restored photographs and 130,000 digitized images, preserved and made available through exhibitions and other work focused on the city’s documentary image.
The museum occupies Casa Número Um, a building from the second half of the 19th century that has had several uses. Its historic fabric is part of the visit: wooden floors, colonial windows and painted details give the rooms a distinct character. The museum also manages nearby Beco do Pinto, a passage once used by people and animals travelling between the Sé Cathedral and the floodplain of the Tamanduateí River. The alley now presents contemporary art projects created for the space.
Photographs and original details
Exhibitions are spread across the ground floor and first floor. Displays have included large framed photographs downstairs, with paintings and other works in rooms above. The subjects connect the images to São Paulo’s history and social life, including difficult themes such as the oppression of minorities.
As you climb the wooden stairs, take a moment to look at the original paintings on the walls. Some of the building’s painted decoration dates to the mid-1880s, and details also remain on the floors. The house itself is a key part of the experience, so allow time to look beyond the exhibition frames.
The visit and its surroundings
The museum has two public floors, several exhibition rooms and a balcony. A garden behind the house has benches, providing a calm place to sit after looking around indoors. The building is wheelchair accessible at the entrance, and an elevator has been noted inside.
Casa da Imagem is at Rua Roberto Simonsen 136b in the Sé district, close to Sé metro station. The neighbouring Solar da Marquesa de Santos and the nearby Pateo do Collegio are also in this historic part of central São Paulo. Advance ticket booking is recommended; check the museum’s current arrangements before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at Casa da Imagem?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to see the two exhibition floors, look at the building’s original details and visit the garden.
What can I see at Casa da Imagem?
The museum presents photography exhibitions about São Paulo, alongside original painted details in its 19th-century building.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Advance ticket booking is recommended.
Is Casa da Imagem wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and an elevator has been noted inside.
