All contemporary art museums to visit in Brazil

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 52 museums in Brazil. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Brazil:

  1. São Paulo Museum of Art1

    São Paulo Museum of Art

     São Paulo
    The São Paulo Museum of Art, also known as MASP, is a significant cultural center in Brazil. It is located on Paulista Avenue, a bustling street in the heart of São Paulo, and faces the beautiful Trianon Park. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  2. Pinacoteca of the State of Sao Paulo2

    Pinacoteca of the State of Sao Paulo

     São Paulo
    If you're a fan of art, you should consider visiting this interesting museum in a beautiful building in the city centre where you can find important works of art from Brasil as well as from all around the world. The museum is more than a hundred years old and you can admire here a variety of sculptu
  3. Rio Museum of Art3

    Rio Museum of Art

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR), or Rio Museum of Art, is a significant cultural institution in Rio de Janeiro. It was inaugurated on March 1, 2013, and is maintained through a partnership between the city's public bodies and private initiatives. This collaboration ensures the museum's sustainability and allows it to continue to offer a rich array of art and cultural experiences to its visitors.
  4. Museum of Modern Art4

    Museum of Modern Art

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, also known as MAM, is recognized as one of the most significant cultural institutions in Brazil. Its reputation stems from its rich history, diverse collection, and its role in the Brazilian art scene.
  5. São Paulo Museum of Modern Art5

    São Paulo Museum of Modern Art

     São Paulo
    The São Paulo Museum of Modern Art, also known as Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo or MAM, is situated in the Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo. It is recognized as one of the most significant modern art museums in Brazil, offering a rich collection of modern and contemporary art.
  6. Dragon of the Sea Cultural Centre6

    Dragon of the Sea Cultural Centre

     Fortaleza
    The Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura (CDMAC) is a cultural center situated in Fortaleza, Ceará. It is recognized as one of the largest cultural centers in Brazil, offering a vast array of artistic and cultural experiences.
  7. Inhotim Museum7

    Inhotim Museum

     Brumadinho
    The Inhotim Institute spans a vast area of 1,000 hectares, with 110 hectares open to the public. It serves as an important contemporary art center and a botanical garden. In addition to its art and nature offerings, the institute also houses a research center, several restaurants, and shops. This makes it a comprehensive destination for tourists, offering a variety of experiences in one location.
  8. Niterói Contemporary Art Museum8

    Niterói Contemporary Art Museum

     Niterói
    The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, also known as Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói or MAC, is a significant landmark in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The museum, which was completed in 1996, is a notable attraction for tourists visiting the city.
  9. Tomie Ohtake Cultural Institute9

    Tomie Ohtake Cultural Institute

     São Paulo
    The Tomie Ohtake Institute, inaugurated in November 2001, is a significant cultural landmark in São Paulo. The building, designed by Ruy Ohtake, is a testament to modern architecture and is presided over by his brother, Ricardo Ohtake. Visitors can appreciate the unique design of the building while exploring the various exhibitions and programs offered by the institute.
  10. Boa Vista Palace10

    Boa Vista Palace

     Campos do Jordão
    Boa Vista Palace, located in Campos do Jordão, serves as the official winter residence of the governor of the State of São Paulo. This grand structure, which began construction in 1938 and was completed in 1964, offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the region. Visitors can explore the palace and its grounds, taking in the stunning architecture and the panoramic views of the city's main neighborhoods.
  11. Latin America Memorial11

    Latin America Memorial

     São Paulo
    The Latin America Memorial, located in São Paulo, Brazil, is a cultural, political, and leisure complex that was inaugurated in 1989. This complex serves as a monument to the cultural, political, social, and economic integration of Latin America. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and diverse culture of Latin America.
  12. Sao Paulo Cultural Centre12

    Sao Paulo Cultural Centre

     São Paulo
    The São Paulo Cultural Centre, popularly known as Centro Cultural Vergueiro, is a public institution that falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Culture Secretariat of São Paulo city. This means that it is a government-run establishment, ensuring its commitment to the promotion and preservation of culture in the city.
  13. SESC Pompéia13

    SESC Pompéia

     São Paulo
    SESC Pompéia is a cultural and sports center situated in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. It offers a unique blend of cultural and sports activities, making it a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. The center is easily accessible and is located near the Palmeiras-Barra Funda multiple station. A new metro station, Sesc Pompeia, is also under construction and is expected to open in 2025, further enhancing the center's accessibility.
  14. Museum of Modern Art14

    Museum of Modern Art

     Salvador
    The Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM-BA) is a significant cultural institution located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It is a hub for modern art and offers a unique insight into the artistic landscape of the region.
  15. Rodin Bahia Arts Palace15

    Rodin Bahia Arts Palace

     Salvador
    The Rodin Bahia Museum is situated in the Graça neighborhood of Salvador, within the Palacete do Comendador Bernardo Martins Catharino. This location is not only a museum but also a historical site, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history of Salvador while appreciating the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin.
  16. "Honestino Guimarães" National Museum16

    "Honestino Guimarães" National Museum

     Brasília
    The Honestino Guimarães National Museum is situated in the Explanada de los Ministerios, in Brasília, the capital city of Brazil. This location is central and easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for tourists visiting the city.
  17. Museu Felícia Leirner17

    Museu Felícia Leirner

     Campos do Jordão
    The Felícia Leirner Museum is situated in a vast area of approximately 35,000 square meters, nestled within a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Campos do Jordão, São Paulo. This location provides a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences, offering visitors the opportunity to explore both the museum's exhibits and the surrounding natural beauty.
  18. Palace of Arts18

    Palace of Arts

     Belo Horizonte
    The Palace of Arts, located in Belo Horizonte, is a significant cultural hub in Minas Gerais and one of the largest in Latin America. It is linked to the Clóvis Salgado Foundation and offers a wide range of cultural activities, making it a vibrant center for cultural production, training, and dissemination.
  19. Vale Museum19

    Vale Museum

     Vila Velha
    The Vale Museum is situated in the city of Vila Velha, Espírito Santo. It is housed in the historic Pedro Nolasco Station of the Vitória - Minas railway. This location adds a unique historical charm to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  20. Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand20

    Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand

     Recife
    The Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand is an art museum situated in Recife, the capital city of Pernambuco in Brazil. This museum was established by the renowned Pernambucan artist, Francisco Brennand, whose name it carries. It is a significant cultural landmark in the region, offering visitors a unique insight into the work and life of Francisco Brennand.
  21. Brazilian Museum of Sculpture21

    Brazilian Museum of Sculpture

     São Paulo
    The Museu Brasileiro da Escultura, also known as MuBE, is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary sculpture. It is situated on Avenida Europa in the Jardim Europa district of São Paulo, Brazil. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors interested in the art of sculpture.
  22. Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation22

    Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation

     São Paulo
    The Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation, established in 1978, is an art museum located in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil. This not-for-profit private institution was created by Brazilian collector and philanthropist Ema Gordon Klabin with the aim of preserving and showcasing her extensive art collection, as well as promoting cultural, artistic, and scientific activities.
  23. Pernambuco State Museum23

    Pernambuco State Museum

     Recife
    The Pernambuco State Museum, also known as MEPE, is an art and local history museum situated in the city of Recife, in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and culture of the region through its extensive collection of art and historical artifacts.
  24. Museum of Modern Art Aloísio Magalhães24

    Museum of Modern Art Aloísio Magalhães

     Recife
    The Aloisio Magalhães Museum of Modern Art, also known as MAMAM, is situated in Recife, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco. The museum is recognized as a reference center for modern and contemporary visual arts, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts.
  25. Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná25

    Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná

     Curitiba
    The Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná (MAC/PR) is a museum maintained by the Paraná government. It is home to a diverse collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and other types of works. The museum primarily features works from various Brazilian artists, with a special emphasis on artists from the Paraná region.
  26. National Museum of Fine Arts26

    National Museum of Fine Arts

     Rio de Janeiro
    The National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) is a national art museum situated in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This museum is a significant cultural institution in Brazil and is renowned for its extensive collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures.
  27. Pampulha Art Museum27

    Pampulha Art Museum

     Belo Horizonte
    The Pampulha Art Museum, previously known as Cassino da Pampulha, is a significant part of the Pampulha Modern Ensemble situated in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This ensemble is a collection of buildings designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The museum was the first building of this complex to be constructed and has a rich history, initially serving as a casino that transformed the nightlife of Belo Horizonte.
  28. Caixa Cultural28

    Caixa Cultural

     Brasília
    Visit a cultural center where you can see exhibitions of contemporary art, concerts, movies etc. Usually free admission.
  29. Ibere Camargo Foundation29

    Ibere Camargo Foundation

     Porto Alegre
    The Ibere Camargo Foundation, located in the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre, is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of the work of Gaucho painter Ibere Camargo (1914-1994). The foundation was established in 1995 by Camargo's widow, Maria Coussirat Camargo, to whom he left his artistic collection.
  30. Joinville Museum of Art30

    Joinville Museum of Art

     Joinville
    The Joinville Museum of Art is located in the heart of Joinville, Santa Catarina, at Rua XV de Novembro. The museum is housed in the former residence of Ottokar Doerffel, a German immigrant who was a prominent politician and the creator of Joinville's first newspaper. This historic building, dating back to the second half of the 19th century, adds a unique charm to the museum and offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past.
  31. Centro Cultural Correios (Rio de Janeiro)31

    Centro Cultural Correios (Rio de Janeiro)

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Centro Cultural Correios Rio de Janeiro is situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city center. The cultural center is surrounded by other significant cultural landmarks, providing a rich cultural experience in one area.
  32. 32

    Culture Shock Gallery

     São Paulo
    An unusual art gallery showing grafitti, posters, skateboard designs and many more designed by young Brazilian street artists.
  33. Museu de Arte do Espírito Santo33

    Museu de Arte do Espírito Santo

     Vitória
    The Museu de Arte do Espírito Santo Dionísio Del Santo, located in Vitória, Espírito Santo, is a significant cultural institution in the region. It was inaugurated on December 18, 1998, and has since been a hub for national and international exhibitions.
  34. Museu de Arte Brasileira da FAAP (São Paulo)34

    Museu de Arte Brasileira da FAAP (São Paulo)

     São Paulo
    The collection of the Museu de Arte Brasileira da Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado is quite extensive, containing between 2,500 and 3,500 pieces. Some of these pieces are displayed to the public, including sculptures made of marble and steel. This provides tourists with a wide range of artworks to appreciate during their visit.
  35. Museu Casa Guignard35

    Museu Casa Guignard

     Ouro Preto
    The Museu Casa Guignard, located in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, has a rich history that dates back to 1960. However, it was officially inaugurated in 1986. This museum is a significant part of the cultural landscape of the region.
  36. MACC Museum of Contemporary Art of Campinas36

    MACC Museum of Contemporary Art of Campinas

     Campinas
    The Museum of Contemporary Art of Campinas, also known as José Pancetti, is a public municipal institution. It operates under the Secretary of Culture and Tourism and is primarily focused on the conservation, study, and dissemination of Brazilian contemporary art. This makes it a significant cultural hub in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore and understand the evolution and diversity of Brazilian contemporary art.
  37. Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura37

    Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura

     Fortaleza
    The Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura, also known as MAC Dragão do Mar, is situated in the traditional neighborhood of Praia de Iracema in Fortaleza. The museum, which is part of a larger cultural complex, was inaugurated in April 1999.
  38. Pará State Museum38

    Pará State Museum

     Belém
    The Pará State Museum, also known as the Historical Museum of the State of Pará (MHEP), is a government-run institution established in 1981. It is situated in the Lauro Sodré Palace in the Old City district of Belém, in the state of Pará. The museum is known for its diverse exhibitions of contemporary artists.
  39. 39

    Municipal Art Center Hélio Oiticica

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Neo-Classical house holds a gallery devoted to Hélio Oiticica, an avantgarde artist who explored a variety of mediums.
  40. Museu de Arte de Brasília40

    Museu de Arte de Brasília

     Brasília
    The Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB) is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is situated in Brasília, the Federal District of Brazil. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a wide range of artworks from various periods and styles.
  41. Goiânia Art Museum41

    Goiânia Art Museum

     Goiânia
    The Goiânia Art Museum, also known as MAG, is situated in the Bosque dos Buritis in Goiânia, the capital city of the state of Goiás. The museum's address is Rua 1 Setor Oeste, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  42. Museu Casa de Portinari42

    Museu Casa de Portinari

     Brodowski
    The Museu Casa de Portinari is situated in the city of Brodowski, in the state of São Paulo. This is the house where the renowned artist Candido Portinari spent his childhood and youth. It is a place where he often returned to spend time with his family and friends.
  43. Museu de Arte Primitiva de Assis43

    Museu de Arte Primitiva de Assis

     Assis
    The Museu de Arte Primitiva de Assis is situated in an ecological park, João Domingos Coelho, also known as Parque do Buracão. The museum operates in its own air-conditioned building, which was inaugurated on September 26, 1999. The construction of the building was sponsored by Telesp, under the Federal Law of Incentive to Culture. This location offers visitors a unique combination of cultural and natural attractions.
  44. 44

    Vermelho Gallery

     São Paulo
    A space dedicated to the production of contemporary art with an emphasis on new media, displayed in bright and airy exhibition rooms.
  45. Oscar Niemeyer Museum45

    Oscar Niemeyer Museum

     Curitiba
    The Oscar Niemeyer Museum, also known as Museu Oscar Niemeyer, is situated in the city of Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The museum was first opened to the public in 2002, originally named the Novo Museu or New Museum. It was later renamed to honor its renowned architect, Oscar Niemeyer, who completed this project at the age of 95.
  46. Bahia Museum of Art46

    Bahia Museum of Art

     Salvador
    The Bahia Museum of Art, situated in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest museums in the State of Bahia. This historical significance adds to the charm and appeal of the museum, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists interested in art and history.
  47. Mariano Procópio Museum47

    Mariano Procópio Museum

     Juiz de Fora
    The Mariano Procópio Museum, located in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a museum that showcases art, history, and natural sciences. It offers a diverse range of exhibits that cater to different interests, making it a versatile destination for tourists.
  48. Museu Willy Zumblick48

    Museu Willy Zumblick

     Tubarão
    The Museu Willy Zumblick is situated in the heart of Tubarão, a city in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  49. 49

    Secs Cultural Arts Center

     Rio de Janeiro
    A small gallery that is well worth the visit for the various and unusual events and exhibits that take place here.
  50. 50

    Casa do Sertanista

     São Miguel Arcanjo
    The Sertanista House, also known as Caxingui House, is a significant historical site located in the neighborhood of Caxingui, São Paulo. This residence, built in the middle of the 17th century, is a prime example of Brazilian colonial architecture. It showcases several typical characteristics of the bandeirista house, including walls made of rammed earth, a four-fluted roof, and an earthen floor. The house's history and architectural style make it a fascinating destination for those interested in Brazil's colonial past.
  51. 51

    Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Campo Grande

     Campo Grande
    The Museu de Arte Contemporânea, more commonly known as MARCO, is a Brazilian museum situated in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. The museum was established on December 17, 1991, and its new building was finalized in 2002. This information is crucial for tourists who are interested in the history and establishment of the museum.
  52. 52

    Brasilia Contemporanea

     Brasília
    Discover contemporary art and contemporary Brasilian artists. You can see a number of exhibitions and collections.