Exploring São Paulo's Vibrant Art Scene: A Guide to Its Hippest Locales, Courtesy of a Renowned Brazilian Architect and Gallery Owner
Discover the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, as renowned designer Isabela Milagre guides us through her top recommendations for an immersive experience in art, design, food, and shopping.
Art and Architecture
Step into the world of Brazilian modernism and contemporary design with visits to iconic architectural marvels. Casa Iramaia by Mendes Wood DM, a restored 1950s residence turned gallery, showcases stunning outdoor sculptures and gardens, seamlessly blending architecture and art. Another must-see is the Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), featuring the new Pietro Bardi Building designed by METRO Arquitetos. This architectural gem houses both permanent collections and notable contemporary exhibitions, such as Isaac Julien's A Marvellous Entanglement.
Food and Shopping
Isabela Milagre's role as founder and curator of Bossa Furniture suggests a strong interest in design-focused shopping experiences that blend local craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Exploring São Paulo's design scene via galleries and collectible design shops like her own is key to immersing in the city's creative pulse.
Ibirapuera Park
A visit to Ibirapuera Park is a must. Designed to celebrate São Paulo's centenary by a team of architects, urbanists, and landscape designers, including Master Oscar Niemeyer, the park hosts various events, including the Bienal de São Paulo, yoga classes, art events, and more.
Fashion and More
São Paulo's fashion scene also shines, with independent brands like Yes I am Jeans offering high-quality, well-priced, and stylish products. For those seeking a unique fashion experience, there are fashion beach clubs that are popular this year.
Designers to Watch
Bossa Furniture showcases groundbreaking designers whose biography interweaves with Brazil's largest city. Some designers on Bossa Furniture's roster include Juliana Vasconcellos, Domingos Tótora, and Lucas Recchia, who preserve the nature-inspired organicness and centuries-spanning heritage of Brazilian artistry while reinventing it through their own lens.
Don't Miss
Lucas Recchia Studio offers a rare opportunity to see a designer's process up close, while Cozinha 212 serves fresh oysters, seafood, and a great selection of wine in a stylish setting designed by the architecture studio MNMA.
In summary, Isabela Milagre's curated experience centers on iconic architectural marvels that fuse art and history, complemented by engaging with São Paulo’s contemporary design galleries and collectible furniture stores. Ibirapuera Park, with its various events, is essential for anyone wanting an insider's perspective on the city's rich cultural fabric. Don't forget to explore the city's vibrant fashion scene and meet the innovative designers shaping São Paulo's creative pulse.
- The Casa Iramaia by Mendes Wood DM, both a gallery and a restored 1950s residence, is famous for its blending of art, architecture, and outdoor sculptures.
- Celebrating modern aesthetics and local craftsmanship, Bossa Furniture, founded and curated by Isabela Milagre, provides a unique shopping experience in São Paulo's design scene.
- Ibirapuera Park, designed by renowned architects like Oscar Niemeyer, is a must-visit destination for its events, art, and yoga classes, offering an immersive experience of São Paulo's rich cultural life.
- During a visit to São Paulo, don't miss the opportunity to visit fashion beach clubs that are currently trending in the city, and Lucas Recchia Studio for an up-close look at a designer's creative process.