Ibirapuera

Ibirapuera Park, also known as Parque do Ibirapuera, is a large urban park in São Paulo, Brazil. Located in the southern part of the city, it covers about 158 hectares and is one of the most visited green spaces in Latin America. The park was conceived in the 1950s as part of a broader modernization of São Paulo and was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer with landscape architecture by Roberto Burle Marx. It opened in 1954 to mark the city’s 400th anniversary and has since become a major cultural and recreational centerpiece.

The park contains several significant institutions and pavilions. The Ibirapuera Auditorium (Auditorio Ibirapuera) is a prominent, circular-roofed venue for concerts and performances. The Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna, MAM) sits within the park and is among the most important centers for Brazilian modern art. The Pavilhão da Bienal (Bienal Pavilion) hosts large-scale exhibitions associated with the São Paulo Art Biennial. Additional facilities include the Oca, a round pavilion used for exhibitions, and the Afro Brasil Museum, which focuses on Afro-Brazilian history and culture. The park also features a large lake, open lawns, bike paths, and walking trails, making it a popular site for daily recreation and outdoor events.

Ibirapuera Park is regarded as a symbol of São Paulo’s urban planning and cultural life. It remains a focal point for cultural programming, education, and leisure, drawing residents and visitors from across the city. The park is maintained by the municipal government and continues to evolve with renovations and new facilities over time.