Record attendance at Pinacoteca reinforces the need for greater security

Between January and December 2023, the Pinacoteca received 880,000 visitors – a 40% increase over the previous year. Even with the boost from the inauguration of the new building, Pina Contemporânea , the number is surprising and goes against the grain of a movement of "abandonment" of downtown São Paulo. One of the reasons why the public of São Paulo and tourists do not fail to consider the Pinacoteca as a leisure option is related to its privileged location , just a few meters from Estação da Luz – and opposite where the so-called "Cracolândia" was located (next to Sala São Paulo). According to the São Paulo Security Department (SSP), the robbery rate in downtown SP in the first seven months of 2023 broke a record for the last 22 years. On average, a robbery is recorded every 30 minutes in the region.

Security and cultural development

In December, Governor Tarcísio sent police reinforcements to the region and also to Avenida Paulista and Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima and to some points in Jardins. He also stated that the state intends to invest R$250 million in monitoring . In a statement, the Pinacoteca states that 78% of the total number of visitors took advantage of the museum's free admission policy and major exhibitions by artists such as Marta Minujín, Sonia Gomes, Cao Fei, Antonio Obá and Alex Cerveny , among others, were fundamental to the growth in numbers last year. "The concentration of commerce and cultural spaces is very valuable, but the high crime rate represents a significant barrier to the attractiveness and vitality of the region", say architects and urban planners Erick Tonin and Celso Grion, head of the Effect Arquitetura office. Experts explain that the problem facing the Center requires an integrated approach between public authorities, urban planners and investment in the city's infrastructure . Improving urban infrastructure, investing in efficient public lighting, promoting living spaces and creating requalified housing alternatives are some of the alternatives cited by urban planners. "In addition, it is necessary to implement social, educational and economic inclusion policies, aiming to reduce inequalities that often favor crime," they explain.

After a series of public policies, the Center once again saw an improvement in security rates at the end of the year – especially in relation to robberies and thefts. In a note, the SSP states that "between April and November 2023, theft rates fell by 7.2%, while robberies decreased by 16.4% compared to the same months in 2022. 5,983 offenders were arrested or apprehended, representing an increase of 26.8% compared to the previous year". "Creating a sense of safety in the city is essential to attract and maintain the presence of people of all ages, and must consider both physical and social aspects of the urban environment," say the urban planners. Traders are beginning to feel optimistic and are trying to regain the trust of their customers . Many of these businesses in the region decided to close early in 2023, and now they can see the possibility of returning to normal hours on the horizon. Other elements such as surveillance cameras and emergency posts are elements that urban planners believe can be incorporated into urban design – as long as they do not create an oppressive atmosphere, but rather convey a sense of care and protection . Creating an urban environment that encourages interaction between residents and visitors , promoting a constant circulation of people, strengthens this effectiveness in promoting safety and revitalizing the center as a vibrant and welcoming space.