Sala São Paulo stands out not only for being one of the most iconic cultural spots in the capital of São Paulo. After all, it was also the first hall exclusively dedicated to concerts in all of Brazil! Opened in 1999, it has been attracting music and architecture lovers to the Campos Elíseos neighborhood for almost 30 years.
The most curious thing about the building is that, long before the magnificent classical concerts, it housed a train station. So, before securing your tickets for the next show at Sala São Paulo, how about learning about its history from the very beginning?
The curious railway history of Sala São Paulo
Until the mid-20th century, São Paulo was experiencing the golden age of trains. The history of Sala São Paulo began in this context, with the construction of Júlio Prestes Station between 1926 and 1938. At that time, the terminal served as the starting point for the Sorocabana Railway, which transported coffee from the interior to the Port of Santos.
The architect responsible, Cristiano Stockler das Neves, was inspired by famous North American railway stations, such as New York’s Grand Central Terminal, to carry out the work. The Baroque and Neoclassical movements also strongly influenced the design of Júlio Prestes.
The heyday of the train station, however, was short-lived. The space was inaugurated in the late 1930s, a period when São Paulo was already full of buses and cars. The population embraced motorized transportation, and trains, considered slower, ended up being left behind. Thus, the imposing Júlio Prestes Station fell into disrepair.
Transformation and rebirth of Júlio Prestes Station
In 1990, the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (Osesp) made a request that changed the complex’s destiny forever: to establish its headquarters there. Then-governor Mário Covas granted the request and ordered the creation of a music auditorium at the station.
Thus, in 1997, architect Nelson Dupré took charge of a major renovation. An old French-style winter garden was transformed into Sala São Paulo, whose acoustics and insulation were inspired by large foreign auditoriums.
The inauguration took place on July 9, 1999, the date that marks the Constitutionalist Revolution. In addition to its national pioneering spirit, Sala São Paulo stands out for its movable ceiling that reaches up to 25 meters in height, ensuring total sound flexibility for the environment.
Watch free concerts at Sala São Paulo!
If you have never been to Sala São Paulo, or want to revisit the place, know that it is possible to enjoy the best of classical music without paying anything.
Every Sunday at 10:50 a.m., Osesp holds free concerts for the public. Tickets are available every Thursday before the event, promptly at noon, on the Fever platform. They are very popular, so set your alarm clock so you don’t miss out!
