The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is located in the heart of the city at the corner of Quitanda street. The building was bought by the Bank of Brazil which has another cultural centre such as this is at Rio De Janeiro. Some elements of the original architecture of the building have been retained but the five storeyed building is registered with the Archaeological Heritage Protection and Tourism of São Paulo. The centre houses restaurants, auditoriums and classrooms. In areas such as literature, cinema, dance etc the cultural center holds programmes for the development of the people.
The magnificence of Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo, or Catedral da Sé, overpowers the commercial establishments that share space with it on Cathedral Square. Founded in the 16th Century, its construction began in 1912, and over the years, numerous restoration programs have been implemented to retain its original character. Flanked by gigantic towers on either side, the majestic dome is inspired by the Cathedral of Florence's Renaissance minaret. The interiors boast intricate marble sculptures, stained glass panels and breathtaking architecture that's true to the Neo-Gothic school of design. The crypt houses tombs of archdiocese luminaries and the organ is one of the largest on the continent.
This historic monastery is a well-known landmark in the city of Sao Paulo. Still a functioning monastery today, visitors can observe the monk's way of life. Make sure you pay a visit to the old library which is full of rare, old books.
A popular feature on most tourist itineraries, Mercado Municipal or Municipal Market, is a symbol of São Paulo. Beneath the majestic dome of the 20th-century architectural marvel and surrounded by stained glass panels, lies the bustle of daily barter. On sale are fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, local delicacies, sweets and spices from across the globe that make for great gifts and takeaways. Browse through the varieties of authentic gourmet specialties while soaking in the colors, textures and flavors that truly exemplify the country's signature cultural diversity.
Established in 2009, Catavento is at the forefront of culture and education in São Paulo. The center is located at the historic Palace of Industries which was built in 1911. The structure boasts magnificent architecture reminiscent of the Victorian era. Separate spaces have been dedicated to the Universe, Life, Machines and Society. The engaging and interactive exhibitions and presentations decode the science behind interesting ethereal phenomena as well as everyday mechanisms. Marvel at displays that promise to make learning fun for kids and adults alike.
Located in the heart of Sao Paulo, the Pinacoteca do Estado is probably the city's most historically significant art museum. Housed within a Neo-Classical building since 1905, the museum is home to one of the most important collections of modern art in South America. The collection consists of over 5,000 pieces that include rare paintings, sculptures, photographs and other objects. The Brazilian section features exquisite works by stalwarts such as Almeida Júnior, Alfredo Volpi, Di Cavalcanti, Castagneto, Portinari and other renowned artists from the classical period to the modern. The building itself is an architectural landmark and is São Paulo's oldest establishment of its kind.
Sala São Paulo is arguably the symphonic pulse of the city. Breathing new life into the historic Sorocaban Railway Station, the magnificent establishment is one of the leading entertainment venues in Brazil. Christiano Stockler das Neves is the architectural force behind the majestic 1925 structure that illustrates the Louis XVI neoclassical design style. It encompasses several rooms, namely Estação das Artes, Salao dos Arcos, Salao Nobre and Sala Camargo Guarnieri - each retaining its own character. With state-of-the-art acoustics, intimate lighting, an adjustable ceiling and a capacity of over 1500, the hall plays host to a myriad of concerts and cultural events. In addition, the opulent setting is the seat of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra.
This museum is considered to be one of the most important art museums in Latin America. It contains works mainly by European artists from the 13th Century up to the present. Among the most significant works are paintings by Rembrandt, Goya, Matisse, Van Gogh, Modigliani, Renoir, Manet, Monet, Dali and Picasso. Among the sculptures are a rare Renoir, and works by Degas and Rodin. The museum also has an auditorium, cinema and restaurant.
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) attracts many locals and tourists throughout the year on account of its eclectic collection. Another reason for the popularity is the Sunday market that has been taking over the space under it since the '70s. Predominantly known for rare antiques and other collectibles, the MASP Antique Market is spread over 74 meters (243 feet) of the museum's periphery. The many, non-descript stalls that line here feature remarkable trinkets and souvenirs like vintage, posters, postcards, coins and much more at affordable rates.
Brimming with character, this neighborhood is home to thousands of Japanese immigrants since the 1940s; here one can find the largest population of Japanese outside of the country itself. The main entrance to this district is the Viaduto Cidade de Osaka or 'The City of Osaka Viaduct' with its monumental and colorful gateway. Once within its boundaries, one is sure to find all the main streets decorated with traditional and original Asian lamps and rattles. Superabundant with Asian produce, its bustling markets are home to some of the best Japanese, Chinese and Korean restaurants in São Paulo.
For all you football fans, Sao Paulo has a museum just for you. Football is a very integral part of Brazilian culture, and the Museu do Futebol (Museum of Football) was founded to retain, as well as promote, the cultural value of football. Exhibitions, cultural shows, lectures, movie screenings and everything else related to football are showcased here. If you are a Ronaldinho or Romário deSouza Faria fan, this is a perfect opportunity to learn about them in detail.
You'll find plenty of great cultural events going on at the Latin America Memorial, or Memorial da América Latina, which is dedicated as a space for all the cultures of Latin America. There are several buildings and spans of lawn that contain art, sculptures, and other cultural artifacts. The library boasts 30,000 volumes, making it a great research resource.