Masp Unveils $43M Expansion: A New Era for São Paulo’s Art Museum
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand (Masp) will open its $43 million expansion in March 2025. This project will add more than 11,000 square meters to the museum, more than doubling its current space. An underground tunnel will connect the current building to a new 14-story structure.
The new building is named Pietro Maria Bardi, after Masp’s first artistic director. Bardi was married to Lina Bo Bardi, the architect of the original Masp building, which opened in 1968. The current building is recognized as a significant piece of Brazilian Modernist architecture.
The Pietro building will feature five new galleries, increasing exhibition space by 66%. It will also house conservation labs, classrooms, a reception area, multi-purpose rooms, storage, loading docks, a restaurant, and a café.
Heitor Martins, the director-president of Masp, stated that the museum had outgrown its building. He described the expansion as a new phase for Masp, focusing on inclusivity and diversity.
Architects Martin Corullon and Gustavo Cedroni led the project. They chose a minimal design to blend with the existing structure. The new façade, made of perforated metal, will enhance energy efficiency.
What are the key features of the new Pietro Maria Bardi building at Masp?
Interview with Heitor Martins, Director-President of Museu de Arte de São Paulo (Masp)
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Heitor. The expansion of Masp is a significant milestone for the museum. Can you start by explaining why the expansion was necessary?
Heitor Martins: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Masp has been a pivotal institution in Brazil’s cultural landscape, but over the years, we’ve realized that we’ve outgrown our current space. The expansion will allow us to enhance our exhibitions and programs while fostering inclusivity and diversity in the art experience we provide.
News Directory 3: What can visitors expect from the new Pietro Maria Bardi building?
Heitor Martins: The new building will significantly increase our exhibition space by 66%, with five additional galleries. Beyond that, we’ll have conservation labs, classrooms, and facilities for events. We’re also focusing on visitor experience with a restaurant and café. It’s about creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
News Directory 3: The architectural design led by Martin Corullon and Gustavo Cedroni aims to blend with the original structure. What was the vision behind this minimal design?
Heitor Martins: The architects sought to maintain a clean aesthetic that highlights the unique character of Lina Bo Bardi’s original design. The new façade will be constructed of perforated metal, not just for aesthetics but also to enhance energy efficiency, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.
News Directory 3: I understand that the expansion is part of a broader initiative for the museum. Can you elaborate on that?
Heitor Martins: Certainly. We are entering a new phase with this expansion, emphasizing themes of inclusivity and ecological awareness. In 2025, we’ll focus on ”Histories of Ecology,” examining the intricate relationships between humans and the environment. Our aim is to use our expanded space to tell these important stories through art.
News Directory 3: You mentioned previously that only about 1% of your 11,000-piece collection was displayed. How will the expansion change that?
Heitor Martins: With the new galleries and exhibition spaces, we’ll be able to showcase a much larger portion of our collection. This means more opportunities for our visitors to engage with art and learn about the diverse narratives that shape our history and culture.
News Directory 3: As part of the expansion plan, you’re introducing free exhibitions in a public area. What prompted this decision, and how do you plan to address the challenges faced in that area?
Heitor Martins: We believe in making art accessible to everyone. The public area below the Lina building has faced some challenges, but with improved maintenance and thoughtful programming, we aim to revitalize that space. These free exhibitions will provide an entry point for all community members to engage with art and culture.
News Directory 3: The project has been funded by private donations, including contributions from art collectors and philanthropists. How critical was this support for the expansion?
Heitor Martins: This support has been absolutely vital. The generosity of our donors reflects the community’s commitment to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. It’s a testament to the belief in Masp’s mission and vision moving forward.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Heitor, for sharing these insights about the exciting developments at Masp. We look forward to the grand opening in March 2025.
Heitor Martins: Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience the new Masp. It’s going to be a wonderful journey.
Corullon emphasized the clean look and unique character of the design. The architects previously collaborated with Masp in 2015 to restore Lina Bo Bardi’s glass easels used for displaying the permanent collection.
The expansion project began in 2019 and was funded by private donations, including contributions from Brazilian art collectors and philanthropists.
To celebrate the opening, Masp will host exhibitions and programs that highlight its history and collection. In 2025, the annual theme will be “Histories of Ecology,” focusing on human and environmental relationships. Previously, the museum displayed about 1% of its 11,000-piece collection.
Next year, Masp will introduce free exhibitions in a public area below the Lina building. This area has faced issues with vandalism and homelessness, and the museum plans to improve its maintenance.