São Paulo Culture Shock

Although the cosmopolitan streets of São Paulo don’t have quite the same allure as the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the robust city makes up for its lack of oceanfront with a dynamic cultural scene. Paulistanos, as the locals are called, have access to some of the best music, art and food in the world. Whether you’ve visiting São Paulo on vacation or working in the booming city, we suggest checking out at least one of the following cultural points of interest during your stay.

Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo

The Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo State Symphony) boasts as one of the largest and best orchestras in all of South America. Showcasing more than 130 concerts during their main season, it is a must see for any traveler or local with ambitions for the more sophisticated side of São Paulo music. Juxtaposing a mix of diverse styles from international classics to world premiers and local composers, OSESP is sure to dazzle you with a wide array of entertainment. The Orchestra also is host to some first-class soloists, conductors, pianists, cellists and much more. Led by internationally known French conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier, the Orchestra will be sure to be a highlight of your time in São Paulo. For a calendar of upcoming shows, click here.

Choque Cultural

Interested in more of the underground art scene? Then the Choque Cultural is for you. Often described as a “young contemporary art gallery,” Choque features a mix of young Brasilian artists coming from the worlds of graffiti, tattoo, graphic design, illustration and anything that speaks urban languages in Brasil. We suggest that you read this interview then make your way to check out one of their unique exhibitions. More info

Centro Cultural São Paulo

Initially planned as an extension to the Mario de Andrade Library, the Centro Cultural São Paulo has since become one of the first multidisciplinary cultural spaces in Brasil. Taking cues from Paris’ Centre Geoges Pompidou, this gigantic, muli-layered steel and concrete building plays host to the arts in all of its various forms: from theatre, music and dance programs to art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures and debate. It also features a large and fascinating network of libraries. Entry fees are cheap or non-existent, which makes the CCSP a great activity in a city that typically described as expensive. More info

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

The São Paulo Museum of Art is recognized for its collection of Western art, which is considered the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. The concrete and glass structure, designed by Lina Bo Bardi, is considered a city landmark and a main symbol of modern Brasilian architecture. From February 11 through April 4, the museum will host an exhitibion of Gordon Matta-Clark, which aims to introduce the work of Gordon Matta-Clark as a radical figure who brings together critical discourses of the European Neo-Avant-Garde and experimental art practices that emerged in New York between the 1970s and 1980s. More info