Spend an afternoon discovering Brazil’s next generation of filmmakers, actors and artists, along with household names, at this diverse cultural center.
The Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre combines theatre, motion pictures, music and visual arts. It has established itself as one of South America’s most important cultural institutions. Your cultural journey begins the moment you approach the Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre, as its early 20th-century art deco architecture is considered a highlight of São Paulo’s streetscapes. The building has been home to the Cultural Centre since 2001, when the Bank of Brazil decided to expand its centers in Rio de Janeiro and Brasília to include a branch in São Paolo, the nation’s largest city.
Enjoy a cool midday recess inside the air-conditioned building as you watch a matinée performance in the centre’s theatre. The modern space hosts regular dance, theatre and performance-art pieces. Check the schedule of the nearby movie theatre to see what’s showing during your stay in the city. A programme of documentary series, artist profiles and short films by a community of groundbreaking emerging filmmakers is testament to the scope of São Paulo’s most innovative cultural institution.
Explore the Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre’s multiple gallery spaces to see contemporary art from local artists, alongside a permanent collection that features many household names from the modern era. A programme of temporary and travelling exhibitions has seen collections from Joan Miró and Andy Warhol featured within the gallery walls.
Stop by the restaurant on the third floor for coffee or a light snack.
The Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre is located on Rua Álvares Penteado in central São Paulo and can be reached by bus, metro or on foot from many downtown locations. The Cultural Centre is closed on Tuesdays. Entry is free but you pay a small fee for movie and theatre events. If you are driving, park in the lot, with discounts for Cultural Centre customers, on Rua da Consolação.
