Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Curitiba Historical Sites
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction
Nestled in Curitiba’s cultural heart, the Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná (MAC/PR) is a leading institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and innovation of Brazilian contemporary art. Since its inauguration in 1970, MAC/PR has not only showcased the creative output of Paraná’s artists but also engaged with the broader national and international art scenes. Housed in a protected 1928 building blending neoclassical and eclectic styles, and currently operating temporarily at the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON), MAC/PR stands as a testament to Curitiba’s commitment to both heritage and artistic innovation (Wikipedia; Guia das Artes).
The museum’s collection of more than 1,800 works—spanning painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, installations, and new media—emphasizes the rich contributions of artists from Paraná and southern Brazil. Through its dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and stewardship of the Salão Paranaense (Brazil’s oldest uninterrupted contemporary art salon), MAC/PR is a central hub for artistic dialogue and cultural expression (LatAm Arte; MAC-PR Official).
This comprehensive guide details the museum’s history, cultural significance, visitor information (including hours, ticketing, and accessibility), notable exhibitions, travel tips, and nearby attractions—ensuring you have all you need for a memorable visit to both MAC/PR and Curitiba’s vibrant historical sites.
Table of Contents
- MAC/PR History & Cultural Significance
- The Historic Building and Temporary Venues
- Collection Highlights & Thematic Scope
- The Salão Paranaense
- Practical Visitor Information
- MAC/PR in the National Art Scene
- Featured Exhibitions & Curatorial Focus
- Preservation, Community, and Digital Engagement
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion & Recommendations
- References
MAC/PR History & Cultural Significance
Established in 1970 amid a national movement to institutionalize contemporary art, MAC/PR was conceived as a space for critical engagement with the evolving art scene in Brazil. Its founding director, Fernando Velloso, drew inspiration from innovative museological models and prioritized support for emerging artists and critical debate (Wikipedia; Guia das Artes).
The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and exhibit works with a focus on artists from Paraná, fostering a distinct regional identity while engaging in broader national and international dialogues. Since 1974, MAC/PR has been housed in a landmark 1928 building, itself a symbol of Curitiba’s dedication to cultural preservation.
The Historic Building and Temporary Venues
The original MAC/PR building—constructed in 1928 for the Department of Public Health—blends neoclassical and eclectic styles and was declared a protected site in 1978. As of July 2025, due to restoration works, MAC/PR’s main exhibitions are held in rooms 8 and 9 at the Museu Oscar Niemeyer (MON), a modernist architectural icon in Curitiba’s Centro Cívico. The Sede Adalice Araújo (Rua Ébano Pereira, 240 – Centro) serves administrative, research, and educational roles (MAC Paraná official site; WhichMuseum).
Collection Highlights & Thematic Scope
MAC/PR’s collection comprises more than 1,800 works, with a strong emphasis on Brazilian contemporary art from Paraná and the southern region. The collection features:
- Paintings by Poty Lazzarotto, Fernando Velloso, and Tomie Ohtake
- Sculptures by João Turin and Vera Chaves Barcellos
- Photography and new media by Helena Wong and Lenora de Barros
- A robust printmaking and works-on-paper selection, reflecting Paraná’s tradition (MAC-PR Official; LatAm Arte)
Movements represented include Neoconcretism, Pop Art, abstraction, conceptualism, and technological art, as well as works responding to Brazil’s social and political history.
The Salão Paranaense
Since 1970, MAC/PR has organized the Salão Paranaense, Brazil’s longest-running uninterrupted contemporary art salon (established 1944). This annual event is a vital platform for both emerging and established artists, fostering innovation and dialogue within the contemporary art scene (Wikipedia).
Practical Visitor Information
Visiting Hours & Admission
- Oscar Niemeyer Venue: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM). Closed Mondays.
- Sede Adalice Araújo: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM.
Admission:
- General admission is free at MAC/PR.
- At the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, admission is R$36 (adults), R$18 (students/seniors), and free for children under 12 and adults over 60. All visitors enjoy free entry on Wednesdays (MAC Paraná official site).
Accessibility & Facilities
Both venues offer full wheelchair accessibility, accessible restrooms, and amenities such as a café and bookstore. For special accessibility needs, contact the museum in advance (WhichMuseum).
Educational Programs & Tours
MAC/PR’s Educational Action Sector organizes workshops, lectures, and guided tours for groups and schools. Check the official website for schedules and special events.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early for major exhibitions.
- Most signage is in Portuguese; international visitors may wish to research in advance.
- Photography is generally permitted (non-flash) in permanent exhibitions; confirm for temporary shows.
- The museum is accessible by public transportation; parking is available near MON.
Nearby Attractions
Enhance your visit by exploring:
- Oscar Niemeyer Museum
- Curitiba Botanical Garden
- Largo da Ordem historic district
- Museu Paranaense and Cultural Center Solar do Barão
MAC/PR in the National Art Scene
MAC/PR captures Brazil’s postwar artistic evolution and promotes inclusion, featuring works by Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and women artists (Artsy Editorial). The museum also embraces new media, environmental, and social themes, maintaining relevance in the national and international art discourse.
Featured Exhibitions & Curatorial Focus
Recent exhibitions like “A Trama Intrincada do Tempo” (Guita Soifer) and “Somos Este Tipo de Gente” address memory, time, and social issues, reflecting MAC/PR’s commitment to fostering critical dialogue and artistic experimentation (MAC/PR Official).
Preservation, Community, and Digital Engagement
MAC/PR is dedicated to preserving its historic site and expanding access through digital resources. Virtual tours, high-resolution images, artist biographies, and educational content are available on the museum’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Sede Adalice Araújo: weekdays only, see above.
Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, for MAC/PR exhibitions. MON general admission applies except Wednesdays (free).
Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, fully wheelchair accessible.
Q: Where is MAC/PR currently located?
A: Temporarily at Museu Oscar Niemeyer, Rua Marechal Hermes, 999, Centro Cívico.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through the Educational Action Sector.
Q: Is MAC/PR suitable for children?
A: Yes, with family-friendly programs and free admission for children under 12.
Conclusion & Recommendations
The Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná (MAC/PR) is an essential destination for anyone interested in Brazilian contemporary art and culture. Its free admission, inclusive programming, and dynamic exhibitions make it accessible for all. Pair your visit with nearby Curitiba historical sites for a complete cultural experience. Enhance your exploration by downloading the Audiala app for exclusive content and audio guides, and stay updated via MAC/PR’s social media and official website.
References
- Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná (MAC/PR): History, Visitor Information, and Cultural Highlights in Curitiba, 2025, Wikipedia
- Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná (MAC/PR): Visiting Hours, Tickets, History, and What to See in Curitiba, 2025, Guia das Artes
- Visiting the Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Paraná (MAC-PR): Hours, Tickets, and Exploring Curitiba’s Premier Contemporary Art Museum, 2025, MAC-PR Official Website
- MAC Paraná Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Curitiba’s Contemporary Art Museum, 2025, WhichMuseum
- Brazilian Contemporary Art Movements and Museum Collection Highlights, 2025, LatAm Arte
- Artsy Editorial on Brazilian Artists
- Tomie Ohtake Foundation
- Lenora de Barros - Itaú Cultural
- Patrimônio Cultural PR
