A Guide to Leading Galleries in São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and also the financial hub of Latin America. Growing up in the large metropolis was an experience second-to-none, with access to a cultural agenda that rivals other major art cities like New York, London, Paris, and Berlin. There is really no better place to witness Brazil’s recent economic expansion and the resulting boost in interest around creating and selling art.

For a glimpse into the rich and diverse art scene in São Paulo, begin with our City Guide: São Paulo feature, launching with the opening of the Bienal de São Paulo, the world’s second-oldest biennial, after Venice. Beyond São Paulo, you can make Artsy your go-to online destination for Brazilian art. (Preview of ArtRio this week, or revisit SP-Arte).

Here are a a few of my favorite spots not to be missed on your next journey through São Paulo: 

Galeria Fortes Vilaça

R. Fradique Coutinho, 1500

Presenting some of the best local and international talent, the gallery consistently puts on an exciting exhibition program in its main space, the Galpão, and at some of the leading international fairs.

Mendes Wood DM

R. da Consolação 3358

One of the most unique and beautiful spaces in the city, the gallery fosters cultural exchange, debate, and critical dialogue through a diverse offering of artists and exhibitions.

Galeria Nara Roesler

Av. Europa, 655

For over 35 years, Nara Roesler has established itself as one of the most prominent dealers in Brazil. With a second space that just opened in Rio, they have consolidated their presence with a roster of top-notch artists, including internationally renowned Vik Muniz.

Casa Triângulo

R. Pais de Araújo, 77

Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, Casa Triângulo is a respected institution and a strong international ambassador of the careers of exciting new artists, including Yuri Firmeza (on view now).

Zipper Galeria

Rua Estados Unidos 1494 

Providing a launchpad for some of the greatest new artists in the market, Zipper stays on the cutting edge by integrating various disciplines into their contemporary program, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, drawing, installations, prints, and new media. Exciting talents include Daniel Escobar (on view at the gallery) and Camille Kachani (on view at ArtRio).

Baró Galeria

Rua da Barra Funda 216

The gallery is renowned for its work with contemporary artists of the 1970s and ’80s, such as David Medalla, Felipe Ehrenberg, and Roberto Jacoby, whom it places alongside emerging talents.

Galeria Raquel Arnaud

Rua Fidalga 125

An iconic and established player in the history of art galleries and institutions in São Paulo, the gallery represents the generation of artists who emerged in the 1970s and ’80s, including the geometric abstraction school.

Galeria Luisa Strina

R. Padre João Manuel, 755