The Museu das Favelas is a powerful and eye-opening destination located in the heart of São Paulo. Housed in the iconic Palácio dos Campos Elíseos, this museum offers a deeply human and artistic perspective on the culture, resilience, and creativity of Brazil’s favelas. It's an essential visit for anyone wanting to understand the complexity and vibrancy of Brazilian society beyond stereotypes. The exhibits are immersive and thoughtfully curated, with art, music, and stories that celebrate life in the peripheries of major cities.
What makes the visit even better is its location — right by a ciclofaixa, making it easy to combine cultural exploration with a healthy bike ride through the city center. Riding to the museum lets you experience São Paulo’s scale and energy firsthand, and adds a dynamic touch to your day. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this combination of exercise and cultural discovery is a rewarding way to engage with the city.
Highly recommended for those looking to see a different side of São Paulo — one that is authentic, moving, and full of life. Just make sure to check opening times in advance, and consider taking a guided tour...
Read moreAn outstanding and thoughtfully curated museum that offers a powerful look into the culture, resilience, and history of Brazil’s favelas. The exhibits are creative, emotional, and beautifully presented, showcasing a wide range of artistic expression and social commentary. Entry is free, which makes it even more accessible and worth visiting.
All of the signage and information is in Portuguese, but it’s easy enough to use your phone’s translation app if you don’t speak the language — and it’s absolutely worth the effort. The museum does a great job of honoring the voices and stories of marginalized communities, and it’s a meaningful stop for anyone looking to understand a deeper side of Brazilian society. Highly...
Read moreA great museum that all should take the time to visit - and much better now that it is in a well connected part of the city so that everyone can access it easily. We met Giovanni, one of the museum staff, and luckily he spoke incredible English and took the time to talk us through the concept of the museum and the meaning of the exhibition. This gave us a great experience, as he had first hand knowledge of the favelas and we were able to have a great conversation where he answered our questions with thoughtful and honest answers. He is was the star of the exhibition! If you are English and need help with the translations, ask for Giovanni :)!
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