about

The São Paulo Museum of Modern Art is a non-profit, public-interest civil society organization founded in 1948. Its collection boasts over 5 works produced by the most prominent figures in modern and contemporary art, primarily Brazilian. Both the collection and the exhibitions prioritize experimentalism, embracing the plurality of global artistic production and the diverse interests of contemporary societies.

The main exhibitions are held in two rooms, in addition to the glass room. Other exhibitions are regularly displayed in the library and connecting corridor, where the Projeto Parede installations program is developed.

Every two years, MAM holds the Panorama of Brazilian Art, an exhibition that results from the mapping of contemporary production in all regions of the country. The growth of interest in Brazilian art around the world has consolidated Panorama as a relevant exhibition on the international artistic circuit.
The museum also maintains a wide range of activities that include courses, seminars, lectures, performances, musical shows, video sessions and artistic practices. The content of the exhibitions and activities is accessible to all audiences, through audio guides, video guides and translation into Brazilian sign language.

MAM is located in the Ibirapuera Park, the most important green area in São Paulo. The building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in the 1950s and adapted by Lina Bo Bardi in 1982. In addition to the exhibition rooms, the museum has a studio, library, auditorium, restaurant and store. The museum spaces are visually integrated with the Sculpture Garden, designed by Robert Burle Marx in 1993 to house works from the collection. All facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.

The collection's artworks are displayed in temporary exhibitions held at MAM and other institutions, both Brazilian and foreign. The museum has a policy of updating, conserving and permanently expanding the collection.

The development of an audience is the main target of the museum’s Educative department actions. School attendance is free and specific to each age group, from kindergarten to university.

Exhibitions visits, artistic practices, workshops and special courses are designed to meet the needs of a diverse audience. Activities are accessible to all, with no physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or social barriers.

An extensive program of courses is provided each semester in the fields of art history, art criticism, photography and visual arts. The courses are run by renowned personalities and aim to meet the specific interests of the general public in a contemporary language.

Free exhibition catalogs and special projects are published by MAM. These publications allow the museum to provide continuity and visibility for exhibition contents through distribution in public libraries and to the general public.

The supply of books, periodicals, documents and audiovisual materials contains 65 items. An exchange system with museum libraries in various countries keeps the collection alive.

MAM has a club devoted to promoting the collection of engravings and photographs. Frequently, the club invites artists to produce 70 copies of a specific artwork to be distributed among affiliates. The club makes it possible to share works that are included in the museum collection.

The store sells design products, art books and a line of objects under the MAM brand.

MAM is a museum run by civil society and designed to reflect its interests. The participation of members of civil society and private initiatives are essential for the functioning of the museum. Such participation is enabled by tax incentives, whereby sponsorship of exhibitions, educational projects and the maintenance of the museum can be written off against State taxes. Private citizens and companies alike can take part.

MAM has received many awards since its founding. Get to know here some of them in the areas of exhibition, education and accessibility.