Museu do Catavento tells São Paulo’s story through art and history like no other. This isn’t just a museum—it’s a time-traveling experience, from colonial relics to bold contemporary Brazilian art. The nighttime tours are pure magic: lighting brings sculptures and paintings to life, turning the entire space into a living stage. Come here not to observe—but to feel the city’s soul beating in sync with yours.




Everything you need to know about Museu Catavento
Hotel Unique is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC). Designed by iconic architect Oscar Niemeyer, the hotel features striking modern architecture and luxurious interiors blending art and innovation. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of São Paulo’s skyline, while the rooftop pool and high-end restaurant elevate the guest experience.
Another excellent option is Meliá São Paulo, situated close to the museum with easy access to cultural sites and shopping districts, ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience in the heart of the city.
The most convenient option is taking the São Paulo Metro Line 1 (Blue Line) to "Faria Lima" station, a 5-minute walk from the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC). This route avoids traffic congestion and takes only 15–20 minutes from downtown. Taxis or Uber are also available, but use GPS navigation to ensure accurate drop-off at the museum entrance.
Parking is available nearby, though it's expensive—ideal only for drivers. Notably, MAC offers free admission on the first Saturday of each month and provides complimentary shuttle buses from nearby metro stations, greatly enhancing accessibility for visitors.
The Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) features standout exhibitions such as interactive installations by Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica, including the vibrant "Bipolar" garments that invite visitors to become part of the artwork. The museum also hosts rotating international residencies—like recent collaborations with Tokyo's Mori Art Museum—fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Its outdoor sculpture garden showcases large-scale metal and concrete works seamlessly integrated into lush greenery, creating a dynamic urban art landscape. During summer, the annual "Light & Shadow" exhibition transforms the building façade into a living canvas using projection mapping—a favorite among photographers. Check the museum’s calendar before visiting for real-time updates.
Along Avenida Paulista, just steps from the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC), Café de la Rive offers elegant French-inspired light meals and artisanal coffee beneath a glass dome—perfect for a post-museum break. For authentic Brazilian flavors, Bar do Mineiro serves hearty feijoada and grilled meats in a lively local atmosphere.
For dessert lovers, Dona Maria excels in creative Portuguese pastries, especially its custard tarts and lemon cake—ideal for an afternoon treat. All venues are within walking distance, many offering wheelchair access and outdoor seating, making them family-friendly. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Yes, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) is highly family-friendly. It offers weekly interactive art workshops for kids every Saturday morning, featuring hands-on activities like drawing, collage, and sound installations to introduce contemporary art in a playful way.
The museum’s spacious outdoor plaza includes shaded seating and safe play areas around sculptures and fountains, allowing parents to relax while children explore. Free children’s exploration kits (with task cards and coloring supplies) and bilingual guides (including Chinese) enhance engagement.
Admission is free for children under 12, and nearby Paulista Park provides additional green space for extended family outings—making it an ideal one-day itinerary.
The Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays. It closes early on December 24th and December 31st, and may adjust during public holidays—check the official website for updates.
Advance HopeGoo is recommended to avoid queues. Free guided tours are offered every Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00 PM, led by trained docents who provide in-depth insights into current exhibitions—highly recommended.
Nighttime special events, such as the "Light & Shadow" exhibition, may extend hours until 9:00 PM; follow the museum’s social media channels for announcements.
Hotel Unique is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from MAC São Paulo. This avant-garde design hotel features a striking glass façade and an elevated sky garden terrace, with select rooms offering panoramic views of Avenida Paulista and the surrounding cultural district. Its interiors blend Brazilian contemporary art with luxury, hosting rotating exhibitions and housing a Michelin-recommended restaurant. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to major attractions, enhancing convenience for museum visitors.
Another excellent option is Meliá São Paulo Paulista, situated close to the museum with access to city skyline-view rooms and a 24-hour fitness center. Both properties emphasize art-infused hospitality, aligning perfectly with the cultural essence of the MAC collection. Their central locations make them ideal bases for exploring São Paulo’s vibrant arts scene.
The Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) is located on Avenida Paulista, one of São Paulo’s most accessible avenues. Visitors can take São Paulo Metro Line 1 (Red Line) to the "Paulista" station, a 5-minute walk away. Numerous city bus routes—including 203, 278, and 310—also serve the area, making it easy to reach from various neighborhoods.
The museum has its own underground parking garage, but space is limited and fees are high. For drivers, nearby shopping centers like Shopping Cidade Jardim and Iguatemi São Paulo offer secure, spacious parking with convenient access. It’s advisable to reserve a spot in advance or use smart parking apps during peak hours.
Overall, combining metro access with walking is the most efficient and eco-friendly option, reducing travel time and supporting sustainable tourism in the city.
Near MAC São Paulo, the weekly Avenida Paulista Art Market takes place every Saturday afternoon at the museum’s adjacent plaza, featuring local emerging artists, independent designers, and street performers. Visitors can purchase limited-edition prints, handmade accessories, and participate in interactive art installations.
The museum also hosts Noite de Museus (Night of Museums), where galleries stay open late with light installations, live music, guided tours, and themed events that bring Brazilian contemporary art to life after dark. Special artist workshops—including ceramics, digital illustration, and performance art—are often included, ideal for families and creatives.
Adjacent Casa das Rosas offers free poetry readings and literary talks, complementing MAC’s artistic mission. These experiences deepen cultural immersion. Check the museum’s official calendar in advance to plan your visit around these dynamic events.
Yes, several upscale hotels near MAC São Paulo provide complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and professional meeting facilities. Hotel Unique features full-property wireless coverage and multiple conference rooms accommodating 20 to 100 guests, equipped with 4K projectors, audio systems, and video conferencing support—ideal for small seminars or corporate events.
Meliá São Paulo Paulista offers a dedicated business center with printing, photocopying, phone conferencing, and soundproofed meeting rooms with adjustable lighting. Both hotels feature accessible design and concierge services to assist with transportation and ticket bookings.
Additionally, some properties provide smart meeting tablets and integrated remote collaboration platforms for seamless cross-timezone meetings. These amenities reflect São Paulo’s status as a leading South American business hub. Business travelers should book meeting rooms in advance and confirm technical support details.
See what other travelers say about Museu Catavento

The Wyndham Sao Paulo Paulista offers an unbeatable location—just a short walk from a major shopping complex, making retail therapy effortless and enjoyable. The room was spacious, quiet, and beautifully designed with a modern touch that added to the overall comfort. It’s clear the hotel prioritizes guest experience, blending convenience with a sleek, contemporary vibe. Perfect for travelers who value both location and quality—this is a standout choice in São Paulo.

The location is excellent—super convenient for getting around, with easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and local attractions. The hotel is clean, well-maintained, and staff are friendly and helpful throughout the stay. Everything from check-in to checkout was smooth and hassle-free. A great choice if you're looking for comfort and convenience in São Paulo.

I was a bit nervous going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. The room was small but spotlessly clean and perfectly adequate for my needs. Its proximity to the metro station is a huge plus—connecting to all parts of São Paulo makes getting around incredibly easy. The only minor issue was the blanket, which came in a plastic bag with an unpleasant odor, suggesting it hadn’t been changed recently. Still, this didn’t detract much from the overall experience. Great value, excellent location, and a very welcoming atmosphere—definitely recommend and would stay again.

I absolutely loved this hotel! The breakfast was outstanding—fresh, varied, and delicious. The room was spotlessly clean and very comfortable, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring São Paulo. I felt safe and well-located, with easy access to public transit and nearby attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall experience exceeded my expectations. I’m already planning my return visit—it’s definitely one of the best stays I’ve had in Brazil. Highly recommend for anyone visiting São Paulo!

Staying at Gran Villagio Hotel was an absolute delight! The room was spotless, beautifully designed, and packed with thoughtful amenities that made our stay incredibly comfortable. The breakfast spread was impressive—fresh, delicious, and varied, with something for everyone. What really stood out was the nearby Italian food street just steps away—perfect for dinner with authentic flavors and a great local vibe. The location is ideal, the service is warm, and every detail feels well thought out. If you're visiting São Paulo, this hotel is a must-try.

The service at this hotel was absolutely outstanding from check-in to check-out—every step felt thoughtfully handled. The app is super user-friendly, making bookings and accessing information seamless and efficient. Everything worked perfectly, and the overall experience was fantastic. I truly feel the value for money is excellent. Definitely planning to stay here again on my next trip to São Paulo!

Staying at 155 Hotel in São Paulo was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—right in the heart of the city and just a short walk from major attractions. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in and throughout our stay a breeze. Every detail was spotless: the room was immaculate, the linens were soft and high-quality, and the overall ambiance felt warm and welcoming. It’s rare to find such comfort and cleanliness at this level of value. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting São Paulo—it truly made our trip unforgettable.

Staying at Hotel Trianon Paulista was a fantastic experience. The room was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of room to move around and store luggage comfortably. I especially appreciated the generous breakfast spread—fresh, diverse, and full of local flavors alongside classic Western options. It was more than enough to fuel a full day exploring São Paulo. The hotel's location is excellent, just a short metro ride from the city center, with plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby. Clean, comfortable, and very well-located—this place offers great value for money. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting São Paulo.

Staying at Transamerica Executive Jardins was a fantastic experience. The hotel is incredibly close to Paulista Avenue, the heart of São Paulo's financial district—perfect for business travelers who need quick access to offices and meetings. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. What stood out most was the front desk staff—they spoke fluent English, making check-in and any inquiries super smooth. The neighborhood felt safe and convenient, with easy access to restaurants, shops, and public transport. I appreciated the attention to detail and the welcoming atmosphere. This place truly delivers on comfort, location, and service—definitely a top choice if you're visiting São Paulo.

Staying at Travel Inn Flats Jardins was a great experience. Located right in the heart of São Paulo, it’s just a short walk from Avenida Paulista—perfect for exploring the city. The neighborhood is quiet and safe, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The room was spotless and well-maintained, with excellent cleaning standards. I appreciated having a secure space to store my luggage since my flight was late—I left my bags there and went out to explore the city without any hassle. Breakfast was a standard buffet with familiar options—nothing fancy, but filling and satisfying. Plus, there are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. Overall, this place offers fantastic value for money, comfort, and convenience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting São Paulo.

My stay at Royal Collection Paulista was truly exceptional. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff went above and beyond—always polite, helpful, and attentive without being intrusive. The bathroom and common areas were spotless and well-maintained, which added to the overall sense of cleanliness and professionalism. Breakfast was a highlight: fresh, varied, and delicious, with a nice mix of local flavors and international options. The team was very accommodating and eager to assist with any request. The only downside was the air conditioning—it took quite a while to cool down the room, especially on hotter days, which slightly affected comfort. That said, this minor issue doesn’t take away from the excellent quality of service and facilities. I’d definitely recommend this hotel for travelers looking for a reliable, well-run stay in São Paulo with great value and a welcoming atmosphere.

Staying at Estanplaza Paulista was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from São Paulo’s vibrant city center, with easy access to metro lines, shopping malls, and local restaurants. The room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Noise insulation is surprisingly good, so I wasn’t disturbed by street sounds or hallway traffic. Breakfast was a highlight—offering a great mix of local Brazilian flavors and classic Western options. Everything tasted fresh, and the portions were generous. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my stay, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. Overall, this hotel delivers excellent value and comfort. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone visiting São Paulo, and I’m already planning my next trip back.
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