In 2025, the Pinacoteca de São Paulo celebrates 120 years of existence, consolidating itself as one of the most important and respected art museums in Brazil and Latin America. Founded in 1905, the institution has played a fundamental role in the preservation and dissemination of visual arts, promoting access to culture and the national artistic memory. Next, we recall milestones and emblematic moments of the Pinacoteca's journey through 7 curiosities that reveal the richness of its history, architecture, and cultural importance to the city of São Paulo and to the country.
1. The Pinacoteca started with a collection of only 26 works
The origin of the museum dates back to a government initiative of the State of São Paulo to create a space to promote the arts. Its initial collection consisted of only 26 works from the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios, including paintings by artists such as Almeida Júnior. Over time, this number grew exponentially, and today the Pinacoteca houses more than 11 thousand pieces in its permanent collection. 2. The building was once a school and is a work of art in itself
The headquarters of the Pinacoteca, located in Jardim da Luz, in downtown São Paulo, was originally designed in the late 19th century to house the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. The building, designed by Ramos de Azevedo—the architect responsible for icons such as the Theatro Municipal—is an example of eclectic architecture, with neoclassical elements. Over the years, the structure has undergone restorations that preserved its historical value while modernizing its facilities. 3. A restoration signed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha
In the 1990s, the Pinacoteca underwent one of the most important reforms in its history, under the direction of architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, winner of the Pritzker Prize. The project was revolutionary by integrating exhibition spaces with more brightness, circulation, and dialogue between the old and the contemporary. This intervention was essential to reposition the museum in the international scene and bring the public closer to the institution. 4. It is the house of iconic works of Brazilian art
The Pinacoteca stands out for being a guardian of Brazilian art, housing works that cover everything from the colonial period to contemporary art. Among its treasures are pieces by Tarsila do Amaral, Candido Portinari, Anita Malfatti, Victor Meirelles, Di Cavalcanti, and Lasar Segall. The collection provides a deep panorama of the artistic evolution of the country, allowing visitors a true journey through time via images. 5. Pinacoteca is a pioneer in accessibility in Brazil
More than a museum, the Pinacoteca has been a reference in inclusion. It was one of the first Brazilian institutions to implement a robust accessibility program, with resources for visitors with visual, auditory, or mobility impairments. The Educational Program for Special Audiences, launched in 2001, transformed the way the museum engages with different audiences, inspiring other cultural institutions to follow the example. 6. More than 500 thousand visitors per year
The importance of the Pinacoteca is also reflected in its relationship with the public. In 2023, the museum set visitation records, with more than 500 thousand people passing through its halls. With diverse programming, international exhibitions, and an active calendar of educational and cultural actions, the Pinacoteca reaffirms itself as one of the major centers of art and community in São Paulo. 
