Musea da Casa Brasileira

Created in 1970 this museum belongs to the government of the State of São Paulo and is the only one in the country entirely specialized in design and architecture. It occupies the house which was once the home of a mayor of São Paulo. Reminiscent of the way of life of the elite of Sâo Paulo, with a large garden, the building is exceptionally well placed in its locality. The interesting part of the Museum is not so much its collection, with furniture dating from the 17th to the 21st centuries, which has difficulty expanding because of lack of space, but the dynamism of its programming. It holds up to 15 exhibitions annually and promotes discussions, courses and workshops related to the field. The Museum has an Education Centre directed particularly to the young population of the periphery of São Paulo, especially students between 8 and 18. The most important recognition it can bestow is the Design Award Museu da Casa Brasileira, granted for design and house furnishings (furniture, light fixtures, utensils, etc.), created in 1986 and the senior design award of the country and of the greatest cultural prestige. The museum has held many exhibitions of international architecture and design.