The São Paulo Museum of Sacred Art is as renowned for its setting as its collection. Its homebase, the Luz Monastery, is considered the most important extant example of the city’s colonial–era architecture. Inside, visitors will find thousands of rare devotional objects and artworks, with highlights including works by sculptor Antônio Aleijadinho, as well as an 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene of enormous scope. The space hosts temporary exhibitions as well.
The São Paulo Museum of Sacred Art is centrally located and easy to visit independently. It’s also featured as a stop on several sightseeing itineraries, including museum- and church-themed tours.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Students pay half-priced admission, and seniors can visit for free.
To stop for a hot or cold drink, there’s a café at the museum.
Don’t miss the MAS Room at Tiradentes Station, the museum’s own gallery space, accessible to anyone with a Metrô ticket.
The São Paulo Museum of Sacred Art is part of the Luz Monastery, located at Avenida Tiradentes, 676. To get there, take line 1 to the Tiradentes Metrô station. The museum is also minutes from Luz Station, one of São Paulo’s major intercity and commuter transit hubs. If you’re driving, free parking is available on-site (subject to capacity).
The São Paulo Museum of Sacred Art is open every day except Monday, from morning until early evening (last admission is 30 minutes before closing time). The museum also offers free admission on Saturdays.
The Luz Monastery isn’t the only historic religious residence in central São Paulo. The area is also home to the Monastery of São Bento, which was established in 1598, though its current location dates back to 1922. Visitors can admire its architecture, attend mass, and even buy pastries from the celebrated on-site bakery.
