Overview
The Pinacoteca de São Paulo is No. 94 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 820,000 visitors in 2025, up 1% on 2024. Founded in 1905, it is the city's oldest art museum, beside the Jardim da Luz park.
The architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha renovated its brick building in the 1990s, roofing the inner courtyards and linking them with metal walkways. The museum now has three buildings, including Pina Contemporânea, opened in 2023.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and is free on Saturdays; check the official website.
Highlights & collections
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1
Brazilian art
A long-term display of Brazilian art from the colonial period to today, with works by Almeida Júnior, Tarsila do Amaral and Cândido Portinari.
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2
Courtyards and walkways
Mendes da Rocha's covered courtyards and bridges inside the historic building.
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3
Pina Contemporânea
Contemporary art in a former school building across the street.
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4
Jardim da Luz
The city's oldest public garden, with sculptures, next to the museum.
Getting there
The Pinacoteca Luz is at Praça da Luz 2, next to Luz station (metro Lines 1 and 4 and CPTM trains).
Visiting tips
- Tickets & hours
- Buy tickets online or at the museum. Check the official website for prices, free days and hours.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; locals often pay with Pix, the instant-payment system.
- Visa & entry
- Citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, applied for online through Brazil's official e-visa portal (brazil.vfsevisa.com). UK and EU citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the current rules for your passport before you travel.
Official information: Pinacoteca de São Paulo (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
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