Anyone who thinks that the Museum of Sacred Art of São Paulo(MAS-SP) only has a collection focused on Catholicism is mistaken. The space also hosts exhibitions and activities related to different faiths, as well as holding stories and mysteries that arouse the curiosity of any visitor.
For example: did you know that, in addition to the museum wing, there is also the convent of the cloistered nuns of the Order of the Immaculate Conception? The Conceptionist Sisters dedicate their lives to religion, produce the famous ‘Pílulas de Frei Galvão’ (small leaflets with a prayer in Latin) and live in isolation from society. In other words, coming across them there is a real rarity!
Visit the Museum of Sacred Art
Founded in 1774 on the initiative of Frei Galvão, the first Brazilian saint, the Monastery of Luz (where the museum now stands) is one of São Paulo’s most emblematic buildings. The exhibition wing was only created in 1970, but since then the space has housed one of the most important collections of sacred art in Brazil.
Visitors will find paintings, sculptures, liturgical objects, historical artifacts and even a ‘safe room’ with priceless pieces. Another highlight is the Neapolitan Crib, one of the largest in the world, which takes up an entire room and impresses with its meticulous details. It’s worth setting aside some time just to gaze at it.
Visit this museum in SP!
The Sacred Art Museum is located at Avenida Tiradentes, 676 – Luz, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm. Tickets cost R$6 and admission is free on Saturdays. In other words, there’s no excuse not to visit this piece of São Paulo’s history and still enjoy a visit to other cultural facilities in the area, such as the Pinacoteca.
Those who prefer to take public transportation can get off at Tiradentes Station on Line 1-Azul of the Metro, which is right in front of the museum.
