With new exhibitions and plays, the cultural calendar comes alive in different parts of the city in may
Submitted at May 5, 2026, 10:31 AM
(Divulgação/Divulgação)
The month of May arrives with a lineup that takes over different parts of the city, bringing together exhibitions, performances and events. The cultural calendar is spread across traditional institutions, new venues and stages that host national and international productions.
Throughout the month, the city presents everything from exhibitions that revisit trajectories and artistic movements to plays that explore contemporary narratives, as well as initiatives that bring the public closer to author-driven productions. Check out our selection below!
Bringing to a close the cycle dedicated to traditional Japanese woodworking launched in 2025, Japan House São Paulo presents the exhibition "Imbued with the forces of Japan's forests – KIGUMI". The show investigates the kigumi technique, based on precise wooden joints that dispense with nails or screws. The exhibition reveals the constructive logic behind these structures. Among the highlights is a first-ever reproduction of the Kintaikyō Bridge (1673), a rare example of world architecture capable of spanning 36 meters without the use of intermediate piers.
Imbuídos das forças das florestas do Japão - Kigumi (Divulgação/Divulgação)
When: May 5 to August 2, 2026
Where: Japan House (Avenida Paulista, 52)
Free admission
In partnership with the Instituto Burle Marx, the Jewish Museum of São Paulo presents an exhibition dedicated to the work of Roberto Burle Marx and his collaborators. Curated by Isabela Ono and Guilherme Wisnik, the show brings together drawings, photographs and documents, while also proposing reflections on landscape architecture as a critical tool in the face of environmental and social issues.
Burle Marx: Plantas em movimento (Instituto Burle Marx/Divulgação)
When: April 30 to August 2, 2026
Where: Jewish Museum of São Paulo (Rua Martinho Prado, 128)
Free admission
The new exhibition at IMS Paulista presents the trajectory of Laudelina de Campos Mello, a leading figure in the struggle for domestic workers' rights and the anti-racist movement. The show brings together photos, videos and documents, as well as works by artists such as Rosana Paulino and Walter Firmo. Curated by Renata Sampaio and Raquel Barreto.
Dignidade e luta: Laudelina de Campos Mello (Acervo Sindicato das Trabalhadoras Domésticas de Campinas/Divulgação)
When: May 16 to November 22, 2026
Where: IMS Paulista (Avenida Paulista, 2424)
Free admission
Pinakotheke São Paulo inaugurates its new headquarters with an exhibition dedicated to the multiple strands of surrealism. Curated by Max Perlingeiro and Tadeu Chiarelli, the show brings together around 100 works by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Diego Rivera and Tarsila do Amaral.
Surrealismos: a arte além da razão (Divulgação/Divulgação)
When: May 18 to August 15, 2026
Where: Pinakotheke São Paulo (Rua Minas Gerais, 246)
Free admission
The production "Chez Toi – Em Seu Lugar" marks the 70th birthday and 55 years of Bárbara Bruno's career. With elements of magical realism and humor, the play follows Abigail, who lives alone and receives visits from her daughter Emily (Bianca Rinaldi). The plot revisits past conflicts, including the relationship with Laura (Viviane Figueiredo), and unfolds with the presence of Paulina (Nalu Albuquerque). Between memories and reunions, the four characters build a narrative about bonds, affection and reconciliation.
Chez Toi – Em Seu Lugar (Thiago Cardinali/Divulgação)
When: May 1 to June 7, 2026
Where: Teatro Nair Bello (Shopping Frei Caneca – Rua Frei Caneca, 569)
Since its London premiere in 2022, "Prima Facie", written by Suzie Miller, has gained international prominence, with productions on Broadway and in the West End. In Brazil, the play premiered in 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, with Débora Falabella under the direction of Yara de Novaes. On stage, the actress plays Tessa, a successful lawyer who, when faced with a personal crisis, revisits her convictions about justice, power and the female condition.
Prima Facie (Annelize Tozzeto/Divulgação)
When: May 6 to May 8, 2026
Where: Teatro Bradesco (Bourbon Shopping São Paulo – R. Palestra Itália, 500)
Tickets: https://uhuu.com/comprar-ingressos/sp/sao-paulo/prima-facie-16199/#/fluxo-de-selecao
After a season in Rio de Janeiro, the musical "Diana – The People's Princess" makes its São Paulo debut. Directed by Tadeu Aguiar, the non-replica Brazilian production offers a distinctive reading of Princess Diana's trajectory, exploring her humanity, complexity and strength. The production brings together 23 actors, with Sara Sarres in the central role.
Diana – A Princesa do Povo (Carlos Costa/Divulgação)
When: May 15 to July 5, 2026
Where: Teatro Liberdade (Rua São Joaquim, 129)
O Diabo Veste Prada 2 (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The long-awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada revisits the path of Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) amid transformations in the publishing industry. In the face of the weakening of magazines and shifts in the fashion market, she counts on the help of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) to reposition herself professionally. At the same time, she faces a new challenge: Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), her former assistant, now holds a strategic position at a luxury brand and starts influencing advertising decisions that impact her course.
Premiere: April 30, 2026
The story follows Anna (Halle Bailey), who travels to Italy in search of a fresh start. Taking up a house she believed to be empty, she finds herself in an unexpected situation. When the owner's family shows up, she maintains an invented identity. There, she meets Matteo (Regé-Jean Page). Amid conflicts and rapprochements, the experience turns into a journey of self-discovery and romance.
Eu & Você na Toscana (Divulgação/Divulgação)
Premiere: May 14, 2026
Julia (Mônica Martelli) and Clara (Ingrid Guimarães) are best friends navigating their 50s with similar restlessness. When their daughters, Manu (Giulia Benite) and Isadora (Gabi Amaral), leave for an exchange program in Portugal, they decide to make the most of the break in routine and head to Europe. The trip, initially conceived as a light interlude, takes on a different pace upon arrival. Amid mishaps and reunions, the journey becomes an experience that will reframe both their lives.
Minha Melhor Amiga (Desirée do Valle/Divulgação)
Premiere: May 28, 2026
Promoted by the City of São Paulo, the Mãos e Mentes Paulistanas program expands its presence across the city throughout the month with fairs at 24 locations. The initiative, linked to the Municipal Secretariat for Economic Development and Labor, offers space for artisans and makers to present and sell original pieces. The events take place in parks, squares, shopping centers and other spots across different regions of the capital.
Feiras de artesanato do Mãos e Mentes Paulistanas (SeCom/Divulgação)
More information: https://prefeitura.sp.gov.br/web/desenvolvimento/w/m%C3%AAs-do-trabalhador-come%C3%A7a-com-feiras-de-artesanato-em-toda-a-capital
