MASP keeps growing! After the inauguration of the Pietro Maria Bardi Building, the São Paulo Museum of Art is already preparing ambitious new steps. Now, the idea is to create a living space between the main building and its annex, on the side street Professor Otávio Mendes. Part of the “MASP Em Expansão” project, the initiative would transform the street into an exclusive cultural corridor for pedestrians.
A new living space on Avenida Paulista
The “MASP in Expansion” initiative seeks to transform the museum into a cultural, artistic and social hub in the city of São Paulo. The closure of the side street would therefore be a way of better integrating the museum’s buildings and expanding its collective space, stimulating more cultural events in the area.
The project prioritizes pedestrians by offering seating and rest areas that encourage outdoor living. Despite the restriction on cars, Rua Professor Otávio Mendes will still have passenger boarding points and loading and unloading points, so as not to harm local businesses or visitor transportation.
Next steps for “MASP in Expansion”!
São Paulo City Hall’s urban planning council has already approved the transformation of MASP’s side street into a pedestrian space. The project will now go through public consultations, hearings and the approval of other public bodies before receiving the final go-ahead from City Hall.
If approved, work will begin in 2026 and will be financed by the private sector , without the need for public subsidies. MASP will have a concession to use the space for 30 years, transforming Rua Professor Otávio Mendes into another cultural and entertainment space on Avenida Paulista.
