Top 10 Facts about the Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis


 

The bath of Diana by François Clouet in MASP – Wikimedia

There are more than 110 museums in Sao Paulo, but one of them is more prominent, the museum of Art of Sao Paulo.

This museum is one that you cannot miss while in Sao Paulo. Its concrete and glass structure stand out along Paulista Avenue.

MASP, as is known by many in Sao Paulo and Brazil, is an art museum that was founded in 1974. Lina Bardi is credited with designing its headquarters, a modern representation of Brazilian architecture.

The building is a city landmark that houses thousands of cultural artefacts from Latin America. A tour of this museum will give you a rich history of Latin America’s art.

There are different exhibitions held at this museum and they range from classical works to fascinating catalogues. You will find art from the Classical, Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The collection of art in this museum is broad and very rich. There’s more about this bright red suspended building that you will find interesting.

Let’s now look at the top 10 facts about the Museum of Art of Sao Paulo Assis.   

1. This non-profit museum was opened in 1974

The Crucifixion Triptych By Jan van Dornicke (1517) – Wikimedia

The São Paulo Museum is a charitable private foundation that was started in the year 1947. The founders are Pietro Maria Bardi and Chateaubriand.

What makes MASP unique is its clear distinction of art and music about Brazil and the rest of the continent. This museum also acts as a cultural centre.

Most of the art exhibited in this museum are from mid-20th century. MASP is internationally recognized for its finest art collection from Europe, Latin America and the southern Hemisphere.

 There is a small collection of African and Asian art, antiquities and decorative art amounting to about 8,000 pieces.

2. It has the largest art collection in Latin America

With more than 8,000 works of art from different parts of the world, The São Paulo Museum of Art collection is considered to be the largest in Latin America.

Most of the art found in this museum are from Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the collection includes European paintings, sculptures, drawings and other decorative art.

This museum is protected by the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional.

Some of the works showcased here are from great artists from Europe such as Turner, Renoir, Degas, Modigliani, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Picasso, Ernst, Chagall, and Dali.

3. This was the first art museum in Brazil

By gnumarcelo – Wikimedia

The museum of Art of Sao Paulo Assis is considered to be the premier art museum in Brazil and Latin America.

Despite its modern look, the museum has been in service since the 1950s before it was officially opened in 1974.

Out of this one museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Publicity School were founded. These two institutions offer workshops around art and host debates about cinema and literature.

These artistic classes were offered by notable Brazilian names like painter Lasar Segall and Roberto Sambonet.

The whole collection of artwork is recorded as a Brazilian National Heritage. There is also a cinema, a restaurant and an auditorium at this museum.

4. There is a library at the museum

By GRBearari – Wikimedia

One fun fact about this museum is that it is home to one of the best libraries in Brazil. The library is found at the documentation centre of art.

This library is also an educational centre where aspiring artists, painters and researchers who go to draw inspiration.

There are books, periodicals, documentation, exhibition magazines, and records including texts and manuscripts.

These documents cover several topics including art history, architecture, modern art, design, painting, photography and architecture. There are over 69000 volumes of work in this library.

5. The new building design was by Lina Bardi

By Wilfredor – Wikimedia

Lina Bo Bardi is the designer behind the massive building hosting MASP. She was married to Pietro Maria Bardi who was one of the founders of the museum.

Her husband together with Assis Chateaubriand worked together to establish the MASP. This was the first museum to collect and exhibit modern art in Brazil.

Lina Bardi designed both the interior and the museum fittings. She is the one who came up with the brilliant idea of suspending art in the museum from the wall.

This building is said to be unique worldwide for its fascinating design. The main building is supported by four massive rectangular columns. It also has an extensive ground-level area that hosts different activities.

6. This museum has a history of theft

MASP’s has had its prized art stolen. This happened in 2007 when two paintings were stolen, they were a portrait of Suzanne Bloch done by Pablo Picasso and a portrait of Lavrador de Café by Candido Portinari.

These two paintings were estimated to be about $56 million. Luckily, the paintings were recovered without damage.

Three men were involved in this heist that took less than two minutes.

7. The exhibitions at this museum are fascinating

By GRBearari – Wikimedia

A visit to this museum will expose you to both international, as well as national exhibitions. These exhibitions can be found throughout the year.

Exhibitions are showcased for about 2 to 3 months and is usually open to the public. There are special exhibitions by artists that only allow enlisted guests, these are also held occasionally.

In the 1970s, the museum received accolades for organizing exhibitions using selected works of its collection at Japanese museums.

8. MASP, as it is known in short, is the City’s landmark

The present building of the museum was inaugurated in 1968 when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was present.

This building is well-known for its remarkable structure that has now become a landmark in the city of Sao Paulo.

9. It is a massive museum

By Wilfredor – Wikimedia

The museum occupies approximately 110,000 square feet. It sectioned into permanent and temporary exhibition rooms.

Inside you will find a library, photo gallery, film gallery, video gallery, two auditoriums, a restaurant, a store, workshop rooms, and administrative offices.

A walk into the main gallery you will see all the artworks presented in transparent glass displays in the middle of the gallery. There are also water spaces, small water mirrors with aquatic plants.

10. The museum seeks to educate the public

MASP promotes an extensive program with exhibitions, workshops and lecture activities. These activities seek to promote the museums’ mission.

This museum has witnessed the growth of its collection building a name for itself internationally. Some of its collections have been exhibited in European museums like Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and the Tate Gallery in London.

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